Addictive Char Siu Chicken Sweet Sticky Perfection

Recipe Introduction

Ever found yourself craving that sweet, sticky Cantonese Char Siu Chicken Recipe from your favourite Chinese takeaway? Honestly, who hasn't? Today, we're ditching the delivery apps and making a banging Char Siu Chicken Recipe Homemade , right in your own kitchen.

Trust me, it's easier than you think.

This Chinese BBQ Chicken Recipe originates from the Cantonese cuisine. It has a history stretching back centuries. This is a relatively easy recipe to master.

Expect to spend around 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish, with the marinating time making up the bulk of it.

This recipe comfortably feeds four hungry people.

Unleash Your Inner Chef: Char Siu Chicken Recipe Homemade

What makes this Sweet and Sticky Char Siu Chicken so special? Firstly, it’s all about that amazing glaze. Plus, you're in total control of the ingredients, so you know exactly what's going into your Homemade Char Siu Chicken Thighs .

It's perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or even a BBQ with mates.

The top benefit is controlling the sodium and ingredients. The flavour is incredibly addictive. It uses simple and accessible ingredients. We're using chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

look into into Easy Char Siu Chicken Recipe Magic

Okay, so what exactly makes our Char Siu Marinade Recipe so good? It's that perfect blend of sweet, savoury, and slightly tangy.

The key is using the right ingredients and letting the chicken marinate long enough. Trust me, patience is key!

We're going with a classic marinade. It features hoisin sauce, honey, and a touch of five spice powder. The red food colouring or Red Bean Curd Char Siu Chicken gives it that authentic colour.

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's talk ingredients for our Char Siu Chicken Recipe Homemade , yeah? Honestly, it's all about getting the balance right.

You know, that sweet and savoury combo that just sings ! Here's the lowdown.

Main Ingredients for Authentic Char Siu Chicken at Home

• Granulated sugar: ¼ cup (50g) . Don’t skimp.
• Five spice powder: ½ tsp. Freshness matters!
• Salt: 2 tsp (10g) . Good ol' table salt does the trick.
• White pepper: ¼ tsp . Adds a subtle warmth.
• Sesame oil: ½ tsp . Essential for that umami kick!
• Shaoxing wine: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
• Soy sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
• Hoisin sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Thick, rich, and delicious.
• Honey: 3 tbsp (60ml) .
• Red food coloring: 2 drops (optional) .
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced . Don't be shy with the garlic!
• Chicken thighs: 2 ½ lbs (approx. 1.1 kg) , bone-in, skin-on.

Chicken thighs are the way to go for maximum flavour. They stay juicy! The Homemade Char Siu Chicken Thighs are just incredible.

If you're feeling fancy, get free range ones. You can really taste the difference, you know?

Seasoning Notes: The Magic Touch

Five spice powder is non-negotiable. It's the heart of Cantonese Char Siu Chicken Recipe . Star anise, cloves, cinnamon... it's all there. I like to add a tiny pinch of ground ginger.

Hoisin sauce is a game changer. It brings that Sweet and Sticky Char Siu Chicken vibe. If you are short on hoisin sauce, try to add plum jam plus soy sauce until achive the same thickness.

For the honey glaze, you can substitute with maple syrup if you're feeling adventurous. Honestly, experiment! I once used blackstrap molasses. It was interesting but not for everyone.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

• Baking sheet: Standard 13x9 inch one.
• Aluminum foil: For easy cleanup, innit?
• Wire cooling rack: This is key for crispy skin!
• Pastry brush: For basting that Honey Glazed Char Siu Chicken .
• Whisk: To get the marinade nice and smooth.
• Ziploc bag: Or any container with a lid.

Don't stress if you don't have a wire rack. Just bake the chicken directly on the foil. It won't be quite as crispy, but it'll still be delicious! The Easy Char Siu Chicken Recipe should be easy to follow.

We are aiming to impress your friends!

This Chinese BBQ Chicken Recipe is all about the prep. Get those ingredients sorted, and you're halfway there. Next up, the actual cooking.

Get ready for some Red Bean Curd Char Siu Chicken magic! Let's do this!

Okay, let's get to this Char Siu Chicken Recipe Homemade and how to nail it. Honestly, this is one of my favorite recipes.

Who doesn't love sweet and sticky chicken, you know? But, a heads up, there's a few crucial bits and bobs, so let's get right to it.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place for Char Siu

First things first: Mise en place . Pronounced meez ah plas , it’s French for "everything in its place." What that means is get all your ingredients measured out.

For this Easy Char Siu Chicken Recipe , it saves you a ton of time, trust me! No rummaging for soy sauce mid-cook.

Also, safety! Keep raw chicken away from other food. Sanitize surfaces, yeah?

Unleashing the Flavors: Your step-by-step Guide

Let's break down this Cantonese Char Siu Chicken Recipe !

1. Marinade Magic: Whisk together ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar , ½ tsp five spice powder , 2 tsp (10g) salt , ¼ tsp white pepper , ½ tsp sesame oil , 1 tbsp (15ml) Shaoxing wine , 1 tbsp (15ml) soy sauce , 1 tbsp (15ml) hoisin sauce , 3 tbsp (60ml) honey , optional red food coloring/red bean

   curd, and 3 cloves garlic in a bowl.

   Seriously, give it a good whisk.

2. Chicken Time: Plop your 2 ½ lbs (approx. 1.1 kg) chicken thighs into a Ziploc bag. Pour that lovely marinade all over. Seal it tight, massage it in.

3. Chill Out: Marinate. Minimum 1 hour , overnight is even better. Honestly, the longer the marinade, the better the Homemade Char Siu Chicken Thighs .

4. Heat It Up: Preheat your oven to 425° F ( 218° C) . Line a baking sheet with foil, then place a wire rack on top. This keeps the chicken from steaming.

5. Bake Time: Arrange the chicken on the rack and bake for 15 minutes .

6. Baste, Baby!: Remove and baste with that reserved marinade. Back in the oven for another 15 minutes .

7. Honey Glaze: Whisk together 3 tbsp (60ml) honey , 3 tsp (15ml) water , and a tiny drop of red food coloring (optional) for that signature glaze.

8. Final Bake: Baste with honey sauce. Crank the oven to 450° F ( 232° C) and bake for 5 more minutes . Baste again. Let it rest!

Pro Tips and Tricks for Sweet and Sticky Char Siu Chicken

Okay, listen up! A big mistake? Under marinating. Give it the time it deserves. Another one? Forgetting the wire rack. Trust me, it’s a game changer.

To avoid common mistakes, try to Use a Meat Thermometer: Confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) , use it is cooked properly! Finally, you can make the marinade ahead.

It will be good in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Recipe Notes for the Best Char Siu Chicken Recipe Homemade

This Char Siu Chicken Recipe Homemade is seriously good. But a few extra tips can make it amazing . Let's dive into some ideas to tweak it to your liking.

I learned these by messing things up and then finally getting it right. You know? The usual.

Serving It Up: Plating Ideas

Presentation is key, babes. Forget basic. Think restaurant style! First, lay the sweet and sticky Char Siu Chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice.

Add some vibrant green stir fried veggies like broccoli or bok choy. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Boom! Instant Instagram worthy meal.

Or, try serving it with an Asian slaw. The crunch and tanginess cut through the richness so well.

Storage Secrets: Keeping It Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the Oven Baked Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll last for 3-4 days.

For longer storage, freezing is an option. Wrap the chicken tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag. It'll keep for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.

Add a little extra honey glaze for that extra shine, just like the first time.

Remix Time: Fun Variations

Wanna switch things up? Ditch the chicken thighs and use chicken breasts. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Aim for that 165° F ( 74° C) internal temperature, yeah? For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce.

You won't even notice the difference! My aunt is gluten intolerant, and she loves this recipe with those swaps. She said it is the most Authentic Char Siu Chicken at Home she's ever tasted.

You can also use Red Bean Curd Char Siu Chicken , just make sure to smash the curd really well!

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness Inside

Okay, let's get real about the numbers. Each serving is roughly 788 calories . You also get 47g of protein and 48g of fat .

There are 42g of carbs and 40g of sugar . Plus, 1699mg of sodium . Okay, it might not be a health food but that flavor! Remember, this Easy Char Siu Chicken Recipe is about enjoying a tasty meal.

Honestly, this Cantonese Char Siu Chicken Recipe is more than just a dish. It's an experience. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Char Siu Chicken Recipe Homemade?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chicken thighs (which are more forgiving and juicy), you can definitely use chicken breasts. Just remember to adjust the cooking time, as breasts cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.

Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and consider pounding the breasts to an even thickness for even cooking, or even cutting them into smaller strips for a quicker char siu stir fry. This ensures they stay nice and tender, not like eating cardboard!

Help! I don't have Shaoxing wine. What can I substitute in this Char Siu Chicken Recipe Homemade?

No worries, mate! Shaoxing wine adds a distinctive flavour, but a good substitute is dry sherry. You could also use a decent cooking sake. If you have neither, a splash of apple juice mixed with a teaspoon of rice vinegar can provide a similar tang.

Just don't skip a liquid altogether, as it contributes to the overall flavour profile and helps tenderise the chicken.

How long can I store leftover homemade Char Siu chicken, and how do I reheat it?

Leftover Char Siu chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it (though it might lose some crispness), or reheat in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) to retain moisture.

You can also stir fry it with vegetables and rice for a quick and tasty second meal - think "Wok Star" level deliciousness!

Is it okay to skip the red food coloring in this Char Siu Chicken Recipe Homemade? I'm a bit wary of artificial colors.

Totally! The red food coloring is purely for aesthetic purposes, giving that classic Char Siu look. If you're not a fan, leave it out without affecting the taste. Alternatively, you can use ½ teaspoon of mashed fermented red bean curd, found at most Asian supermarkets, or even a small amount of beet juice for a natural tint.

You'll still get delicious Char Siu without any of the guilt!

My Char Siu chicken skin isn't crispy enough. What am I doing wrong?

Crispy skin is the holy grail, isn't it? Make sure you're using a wire rack on top of your baking sheet, as this allows air to circulate and crisp up the skin. Basting multiple times with the honey sauce towards the end of cooking also helps.

For extra crispiness, try broiling the chicken for the last minute or two, but watch it like a hawk to avoid burning!

Can I grill this Char Siu Chicken Recipe Homemade instead of baking it in the oven?

You bet! Grilling will impart a lovely smoky flavour. Preheat your grill to medium high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, basting frequently with the honey sauce during the last few minutes to create a sticky glaze. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Be careful to avoid flare ups from the sugary marinade, and move the chicken to indirect heat if needed to prevent burning, so you are not only getting that BBQ taste, but also preventing it from burning before it is properly cooked.