Char Siu Chicken Recipe | Simple Char Siu Chicken Thighs

If you’re craving bold, sweet, and savory flavors, this Char Siu Chicken Thighs recipe is a must-try! With a rich, sticky glaze and a beautifully caramelized finish, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Flavorful Chicken Dish

• Bold, Sweet, and Savory Flavor. The perfect balance of umami, sweetness, and aromatic spices.
• Easy to Make at Home. Simple ingredients and straightforward cooking methods make this dish accessible to anyone.
• Versatile Serving Options. Enjoy it with rice, noodles, in bao buns, or even as a salad topping.
• Great for Meal Prep. Stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it a convenient option for busy weeks.

This homemade Char Siu Chicken Thighs recipe is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re making it for dinner or freezing leftovers for later, this dish will quickly become a household favorite.

What Does Char Siu Chicken Taste Like?

Char Siu Chicken has a rich, sweet-savory flavor with a hint of smokiness. The marinade, made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, Chinese five-spice, and oyster sauce, gives the chicken a deep umami taste with a caramelized, slightly sticky glaze.

The balance of salty, sweet, and aromatic spices creates a flavorful bite, with a slight tang from the addition of rice vinegar.

Ingredients To Grab

• Chicken Thighs– Used for their juiciness and ability to absorb the marinade well. They remain tender and flavorful even after baking or grilling.
• Honey– Provides natural sweetness and helps create the signature sticky, caramelized glaze. It also enhances browning during cooking.
• Soy Sauce– Adds depth with its salty umami flavor, balancing the sweetness of the honey and sugar while infusing the chicken with a savory base.
• Oyster Sauce– Contributes a rich, savory complexity with a slight sweetness, deepening the overall umami taste of the marinade.
• Brown Sugar– Helps with caramelization, intensifying the glaze’s deep color and enhancing the sweetness of the marinade.
• Garlic Powder– Adds a subtle, consistent garlic flavor throughout the marinade, enhancing the savory and aromatic notes.
• Rice Vinegar– Introduces a mild tanginess, cutting through the sweetness and adding a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
• Chinese Five-Spice– A blend of spices (usually star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel) that gives Char Siu its signature warm, aromatic depth.
• Sesame Oil– Offers a nutty, earthy flavor while helping thin the marinade.

Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating the iconic sweet-savory balance and glossy, caramelized exterior that makes Char Siu Chicken so delicious!

How To Make Char Siu Chicken

Create the marinade and chill. In a large bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients until well combined. Add the chicken thighs to half of the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Reserve the other half of the marinade in the refrigerator for later use. Cover and refrigerate the coated chicken for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to intensify.

Bake the chicken. Set your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet (with a baking rack on top for a glossier finish), shaking off excess marinade. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Baste with reserved sauce. For a deeper caramelization, baste with the reserved marinade mixture during the last 5-7 minutes.

Caramelize to perfection. For that authentic char siu look, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly charred. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Slice and serve. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or in a noodle dish for a complete meal.

Tips And Tricks

Check out some of these easy-to-follow tips and tricks for making the best Char Siu Chicken Thighs every time! Read over these before you get started:

• Marinate Longer for More Flavor. Overnight marination yields the best taste.
• Use foil. For easier cleanup, line your baking pan with foil before cooking.
• Don’t Skip the Basting. It adds a glossy finish and enhances the caramelized flavor.
• Use a Meat Thermometer. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
• Rest Before Slicing. Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes helps retain juices and keeps it moist.

Variations

Here are some variations to customize your Char Siu Chicken Thighs:

• Spicy– Add 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Low-Sugar Version– Reduce the honey and brown sugar, or use a sugar-free alternative.
• Air Fryer– Cook at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Pork Char Siu– Substitute chicken thighs with pork shoulder or pork tenderloin for a traditional take.

What To Eat With Char Siu Chicken

Pairing your Char Siu Chicken Thighs with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice– A simple, fluffy rice base that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
• Garlic Noodles– Savory noodles tossed with garlic and soy sauce for extra umami.
• Pickled Vegetables– Adds a refreshing tangy contrast to balance the richness.
• Cucumber Salad– Light and crisp, offering a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors.
• Steamed Bao Buns– Use the chicken as a filling for soft, pillowy bao.

How Long Does It Last?

Char Siu Chicken Thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through.

Can You Freeze It?

For longer storage, freeze the cooked Char Siu Chicken Thighs in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover chicken thighs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating them as directed above.

More Simple Chicken Recipes

• Springfield Style Cashew Chicken
• Monterey Chicken
• Hasselback Chicken Breasts
• Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
• Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

If you love this Char Siu Chicken recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends and family on social media so they can try it too! Don’t forget to save it so you can make it again next time you want a flavor-packed weeknight meal.