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Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken
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Char siu is a popular Cantonese dish known for its rich, glossy glaze and sweet-savory taste. While the traditional version uses pork, this recipe swaps in chicken thighs or breasts, marinated in a mix of soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five-spice. The chicken is then roasted or air-fried until caramelized, sticky, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

  • Chicken thighs or breasts (2 lbs / 900 g) – thighs are juicier, but breasts also work.

  • Soy sauce (3 tbsp) – the salty, umami base of the marinade.

  • Hoisin sauce (3 tbsp) – gives sweetness and depth.

  • Honey (2 tbsp) – caramelizes to create that sticky glaze.

  • Brown sugar (1 tbsp) – balances savory flavors.

  • Rice vinegar (1 tbsp) – adds tanginess.

  • Chinese five-spice (1 tsp) – the key aromatic spice blend.

  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – enhances flavor.

  • Ginger (1 tsp, grated) – adds warmth and spice.

  • Sesame oil (1 tsp) – brings a nutty fragrance.

Instructions

 

  • Prepare marinade – in a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, sugar, vinegar, five-spice, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.

  • Marinate chicken – add chicken to the bowl, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).

  • Preheat oven/air fryer – set oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

  • Cook chicken – place chicken on a foil-lined tray or air fryer basket, cook for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway.

  • Baste with marinade – brush reserved marinade over chicken halfway through cooking.

  • Check doneness – chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature and has a glossy, caramelized glaze.

  • Serve hot – slice into strips and enjoy with rice or noodles.

Find it online: https://britishbakingrecipes.co.uk/char-siu-chicken-recipe/