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–+ servings
Char Siu Chicken

Irresistibly Tender Char Siu Chicken for Flavor Lovers

Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory with Char Siu Chicken, a delightful Chinese BBQ dish.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 4 pieces
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 cup Hoisin sauce Adds sweetness and depth; no direct substitute, but a mix of soy sauce and sugar works in a pinch.
  • 1/2 cup Soy sauce Brings saltiness and umami; tamari can be used as a gluten-free option.
  • 1/4 cup Honey Contributes a lovely sweetness and helps with caramelization; maple syrup is a good alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Oyster sauce Infuses a rich flavor; for a vegetarian twist, try vegetarian oyster sauce.
  • 2 tbsp Rice vinegar Provides necessary acidity for balance; apple cider vinegar can serve as a substitute.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Brings aromatic depth; if in a bind, garlic powder (about 1/8 tsp per clove) will do.
  • 2 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder Offers unique flavor; there’s no substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Sesame oil Enhances overall flavor with nuttiness; if unavailable, a neutral oil will work, though the taste will differ.
For the Chicken
  • 2 lbs Boneless skinless chicken thighs These provide juiciness and tenderness; adjust cooking time if using chicken breasts.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • saucepan
  • Resealable Plastic Bag

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil.
  2. Whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl.
  3. Marinate the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag with half of the marinade for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  4. Set aside the remaining marinade in the refrigerator for later use.
  5. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  6. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the baking sheet with the shiny side facing up.
  7. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Simmer the reserved marinade in a saucepan over medium heat for about 10 minutes until it thickens.
  9. Brush the baked chicken with the thickened marinade and broil for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 100IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken longer. Ensure the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature for safety.

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