Char Siu Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Chinese BBQ Delight

Char Siu Chicken brings the deliciously smoky and sweet flavors of Chinese BBQ right to your table. This dish, inspired by the classic Cantonese-style Char Siu, features juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful mix of red fermented bean curd, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and a hint of Chinese five spice. The marinade infuses the chicken with deep, savory-sweet flavors, while the basting sauce caramelizes on the skin, creating a mouthwatering glaze. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, a weekend BBQ, or as part of an Asian-inspired spread, this Char Siu Chicken is sure to impress with its rich flavor and crispy skin. Serve it with steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or a simple salad to complete this delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Authentic Chinese Flavor

This Char Siu Chicken captures the essence of the popular Cantonese BBQ dish with its balance of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors, all thanks to the traditional ingredients like red fermented bean curd and hoisin sauce.

2. Tender and Juicy

Using skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs ensures that the chicken stays moist and juicy while absorbing all the wonderful flavors from the marinade and basting sauce.

3. Simple Ingredients

The marinade uses common ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores or Asian markets. You won’t need to hunt down hard-to-find items to make this dish!

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

Char Siu Chicken can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for meal prep or a family dinner. The flavors get even better after marinating for a few hours or overnight.

5. Great for Any Occasion

Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal, hosting a dinner party, or serving it at a casual BBQ, this Char Siu Chicken is versatile and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• Skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (1 lb)
• Red fermented bean curd (⅓ cup)
• Hoisin sauce (¼ cup)
• Brown sugar (¼ cup, light or dark)
• Soy sauce (⅓ cup)
• Honey or maple syrup (2 tbsp)
• Shaoxing wine or dry sherry wine (2 tbsp) or chicken broth (for a non-alcoholic version)
• Chinese five spice (1 tsp)

For the Basting Sauce:

• Honey or maple syrup (1.5 tbsp)
• Hoisin sauce (1 tbsp)
• Red fermented bean curd (1 tbsp)

Variations

• Chicken Breasts: While chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor, you can use skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts if preferred. Just be sure to monitor cooking time to prevent drying out the meat.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: For a non-alcoholic version, simply substitute Shaoxing wine or dry sherry with chicken broth. This will still yield a delicious result without the alcohol content.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or seitan for a vegetarian twist on this recipe. The marinade and basting sauce will still provide all the necessary flavor.
• Spicy Char Siu Chicken: Add a little bit of chili paste, crushed red pepper flakes, or Sriracha to the marinade for some heat and a spicy kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine the red fermented bean curd, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, Shaoxing wine or chicken broth, and Chinese five spice. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and the marinade is smooth.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors infuse the chicken.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill or Oven

If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. For the oven method, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, or set a rack in a roasting pan.

Step 4: Prepare the Basting Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the honey or maple syrup, hoisin sauce, and red fermented bean curd to make the basting sauce. Set it aside.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

For grilling: Remove the chicken from the marinade, and grill it on medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, basting with the basting sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Grill until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.

For baking: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet or rack. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, basting with the basting sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Marinate Overnight: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
• Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Grill Marks: If you want those perfect grill marks, make sure your grill is preheated and clean. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking.
• Basting: Be sure to baste the chicken toward the end of the cooking process so the sauce doesn’t burn. Basting multiple times will help create a thick, flavorful glaze.

How to Serve

Char Siu Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Rice: Serve with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Vegetables: Stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy, bell peppers, and snap peas, make a great side.
• Salads: A refreshing Asian-inspired cucumber or cabbage slaw can add a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Noodles: Serve with some lo mein or soba noodles for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

Freezing

Char Siu Chicken can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Once the chicken has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

To retain the crispy skin, reheat the chicken in the oven or on a grill. If you microwave it, the skin will lose its crispiness, but the chicken will still be delicious.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?

While bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for maximum flavor and moisture, you can use boneless, skinless thighs. Just reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking the chicken.

2. Can I make Char Siu Chicken without Shaoxing wine?

Yes, if you don’t have Shaoxing wine, you can substitute dry sherry or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.

3. Can I use this marinade for other proteins?

Absolutely! This marinade is great for pork, beef, or even tofu. You can adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.

4. Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe isn’t very spicy, but the jalapeño in the marinade adds a mild heat. If you prefer a spicier version, feel free to add more chilies or chili paste.

5. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

Yes, baking works wonderfully too! Follow the baking instructions in the recipe for a perfectly juicy and flavorful Char Siu Chicken.

6. What is red fermented bean curd, and where can I find it?

Red fermented bean curd is a traditional Chinese ingredient made from fermented soybeans and red rice. It adds a unique savory and umami flavor. You can find it in Asian grocery stores or online.

7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken the night before and cook it the next day. This makes the recipe even more convenient!

8. Can I serve this with a different sauce?

If you’re not a fan of the basting sauce, you can serve the chicken with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or a spicy chili sauce for added flavor.

9. Can I use skinless chicken breasts for this recipe?

While skinless chicken breasts can be used, they might not be as juicy as thighs. Consider adding a bit of olive oil to the marinade to keep them moist.

10. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings the delicious, savory-sweet flavors of Chinese BBQ into your home. Whether you grill or bake it, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party main course. With a simple yet flavorful marinade and basting sauce, this chicken is sure to become a family favorite.

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