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Char Siu Chicken

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A quick and easy version of the classic Cantonese BBQ pork, made with chicken thighs and a simple homemade char siu marinade.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Chicken:
  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 1 tbsp peanut oil (for searing)
  • For the Char Siu Marinade:
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 tsp five-spice powder
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tbsp ketchup (optional, for color and sweetness)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice wine, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, white pepper, ketchup (if using), and sesame oil.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal or cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
  3. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to come to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  4. Heat the peanut oil in a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off (reserve the marinade).
  5. Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
  6. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet around the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the sauce has thickened slightly, basting the chicken halfway through.
  8. Remove from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve drizzled with the pan sauce.

Notes

For a more authentic char siu flavor and color, you can add 1/4 tsp of red food coloring to the marinade, though it’s optional. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular pan and then transfer to a baking dish for the oven step. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheerychop.com/char-siu-chicken-recipe/