Char Siu Chicken: A Flavorful Feast of Sweet and Savory 🍗🍯🔥
1. Introduction to Mouthwatering Char Siu Chicken
Explore the delectable world of Char Siu Chicken, a must-try dish known for its tender and juicy texture, coupled with a sweet and savory glaze that’s simply irresistible. Also known as Chinese BBQ Chicken, this recipe delivers an explosion of flavor with every bite. This dish, inspired by traditional Chinese BBQ, is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests at a gathering. With common ingredients such as hoisin sauce, honey and soy sauce, creating Char Siu Chicken becomes an easy feat. For another amazing chicken thigh recipe, check out this Shredded BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!
2. Ingredients for the Best Char Siu Chicken
To make this incredible Char Siu Chicken recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For a creamy chicken dish, check out this creamy cajun chicken pasta recipe.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Perfect Char Siu Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Begin by marinating the boneless chicken thighs in a rich Char Siu marinade, combining soy sauce, hoisin, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Ensure each piece is well coated with the marinade and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the chicken to fully absorb the flavors, resulting in a more delicious and authentic Char Siu Chicken experience. For another amazing pasta recipe, explore this creamy ricotta chicken pasta recipe.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken to Perfection
Preheat your barbecue grill to medium-high heat. Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the fridge and place them on the grill. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. The grilling process imparts smoky flavors, enhancing your Char Siu Chicken. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. If you love chicken recipes with lots of flavours, you will probably love this Smothered Chicken and Rice.
Step 3: Glaze the Chicken for a Shiny Finish
As the chicken finishes grilling, brush it with additional char siu sauce to create a beautiful, shiny glaze. This step enhances the flavor and gives the chicken that signature look. Continue to grill for another minute or so to allow the glaze to set perfectly. Be careful not to burn the glaze; watch closely and adjust the heat if needed. If you’re looking for another quick and easy chicken recipe, you might enjoy Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken.
Step 4: Slice and Serve Your Delicious Char Siu Chicken
Once grilled to perfection, remove the thighs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Slice the Char Siu Chicken into thick pieces, showcasing the tender, flavorful meat infused with a rich marinade. Serve immediately with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra touch of elegance and flavor. For an alternate meal idea, you might want to try How to make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta.
4. Storage Tips for Char Siu Chicken Leftovers
You can store any leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to retain its juicy texture without drying it out. Properly stored leftovers ensure you can enjoy the delightful taste of this sweet and savory dish for days. As a suggestion, check this The Best Recipe for Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Char Siu Chicken
This Char Siu Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, crispy stir-fried vegetables, or even a fresh garden salad. Consider offering additional char siu sauce on the side for those who like a little extra flavor kick. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or use it to create delicious wraps or rice bowls! You might find great serving ideas on SimplyRecipes. For beef enthusiasts, here’s a great recipe of Sticky Beef Noodles.
6. FAQs About Making Char Siu Chicken
What cuts of chicken work best for Char Siu Chicken?
Boneless chicken thighs are ideal as they remain juicy and flavorful during cooking, but you can also use breasts if preferred. Using chicken thighs gives a more tender, flavourful char siu experience.
How can I make Char Siu Chicken in the oven?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes, basting with sauce halfway through. This method is great for colder months where grilling is less convenient.
Can I use a different marinade for Char Siu Chicken?
Absolutely! While the traditional marinade is fantastic, experimenting with spices and different sauces can create new and exciting flavors. Try playing around with different ratios or adding new elements like chili flakes for a spicy kick!
And if you love Enchiladas, you should try this Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas.
7. Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Char Siu Chicken
In just a few simple steps, you can master the art of making Char Siu Chicken, a delightful dish that embodies the flavors of Chinese cuisine. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe promises to deliver tantalizing flavors and satisfying textures. Don’t hesitate to try this, and make sure to share with loved ones – they’ll be impressed! You will be making a wonderful meal with this Char Siu Chicken recipe.
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Char Siu Chicken
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Char Siu Chicken, a sweet and savory dish inspired by traditional Chinese BBQ that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the boneless chicken thighs in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then grill the marinated chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
- Brush the grilled chicken with additional char siu sauce just before removing from the grill, allowing the glaze to set for a minute.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into thick pieces and serve with steamed rice and vegetables.
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to retain juiciness.
- Pairs well with steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 300 Kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
