Why Make This Recipe
Char Siu Chicken is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Chinese BBQ right in your kitchen. With its sweet and savory glaze, it is both comforting and exciting. This recipe stands out because it only takes 10 minutes to prep! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending all day cooking, this chicken will surely become a favorite.
How to Make Irresistible Char Siu Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Honey (Can substitute with maple syrup)
- 1/4 cup Hoisin Sauce (Mix soy sauce with sugar if unavailable)
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (Use tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon Warm Spices (five-spice powder) (Omit or replace with ginger and garlic to taste)
- 4 pieces Chicken Thighs (Skinless for a leaner meal)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (Optional garnish)
- 2 stalks Green Onions (Can substitute with chives)
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and warm spices together. This forms the delicious marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. Let it sit while you preheat your grill or oven.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grill or bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally. Make sure the chicken is cooked through and has a nice glaze.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
How to Serve Irresistible Char Siu Chicken
Char Siu Chicken can be served with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It also works great in a sandwich or as a filling for lettuce wraps. The sweet and sticky glaze is perfect for dipping, so save some extra sauce for your side dishes.
How to Store Irresistible Char Siu Chicken
If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or in a pan over medium heat until heated through.
Tips to Make Irresistible Char Siu Chicken
- For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Feel free to experiment with different spices if you do not have five-spice powde
Variation
You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs tend to be juicier. Additionally, try incorporating vegetables like bell peppers or onions on the grill for a delicious side.
FAQs
1. Can I use beef or pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pork or beef! Just adjust the cooking time since they may require longer to cook through.
2. Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or seitan and use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.
3. What can I serve with Char Siu Chicken?
This chicken pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, salad, or stir-fried vegetables. You can also use it in wraps for a tasty lunch!
Char Siu Chicken
Ingredients
Marinade
- ¼ cup Honey Can substitute with maple syrup
- ¼ cup Hoisin Sauce Mix soy sauce with sugar if unavailable
- ¼ cup Soy Sauce Use tamari for gluten-free option
- 1 teaspoon Warm Spices (five-spice powder) Omit or replace with ginger and garlic to taste
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken Thighs Skinless for a leaner meal
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds Optional garnish
- 2 stalks Green Onions Can substitute with chives
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and warm spices together to form the marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. Let it sit while you preheat your grill or oven.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cooking
- Grill or bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through and nicely glazed.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
Serving
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.