Sticky Char Siu Chicken

$- 4 boneless chicken thighs: These are juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up flavors. - 2 tablespoons soy sauce: This adds saltiness and umami to the dish. - 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Hoisin gives a sweet and tangy flavor, enhancing the glaze. - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: You can swap this for mushroom sauce for a vegetarian option. - 1 tablespoon honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps with stickiness when cooked. - 1 tablespoon brown sugar: This deepens the sweetness and gives a rich color. - 1 teaspoon five-spice powder: This blend brings warm, aromatic notes to the chicken. - 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a fragrant kick to the marinade. - 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Ginger offers a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens the dish. - 1 tablespoon sesame oil: This adds a nutty aroma and richness to the chicken. - 2 green onions, sliced: These are used as a garnish, adding color and a mild onion flavor. - Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of these seeds gives a nice crunch and extra flavor. If you're vegetarian, use mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs work best for flavor. Marinade ingredients are key to making the chicken flavorful. The mix of sweet, salty, and umami flavors meld together. Marinating time is crucial; longer marination means deeper flavor. A few hours or overnight in the fridge works best. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add these ingredients: - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or mushroom sauce) - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 teaspoon five-spice powder - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, minced - 1 tablespoon sesame oil Now, whisk them all together. You want a smooth marinade. Mix until there are no lumps. This step helps blend the flavors well, making your chicken super tasty. Next, take your 4 boneless chicken thighs. Place them in the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece gets a nice coating. I like to use my hands to rub the marinade in. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge. Marinate for at least 1 hour. If you can wait, marinate overnight. This deepens the flavor and makes the chicken juicy. Before you cook, preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking. If you’re grilling, remove the chicken from the marinade. Set the marinade aside for basting. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Baste with the reserved marinade every few minutes. This adds flavor and creates a sticky glaze. For oven roasting, line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the chicken on it. Roast for 25-30 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through and baste again. You want a rich, sticky coating. Once finished, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices stay inside. After resting, slice the chicken into strips. Serve it on a platter, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added crunch. To get that perfect sticky glaze on your chicken, use the marinade wisely. A thicker marinade helps it cling better. Make sure to baste the chicken while it cooks. This adds layers of flavor and keeps it moist. After cooking, let the chicken rest for about five minutes. This helps the juices stay inside, making each bite more juicy and flavorful. A common mistake is overcooking the chicken. This makes it dry, which is not what you want. Aim for juicy, tender chicken by cooking just until it’s done. Undercooking is also a problem. Always check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Using the right type of chicken thighs is crucial. Boneless thighs work best for this recipe. They stay tender and soak up the flavors. Avoid using chicken breasts, as they can dry out easily. For sides, steamed rice or stir-fried veggies pair well with Sticky Char Siu Chicken. They add color and balance to your meal. You can also add lime wedges for a zesty kick. When presenting, slice the chicken into strips. Arrange them on a nice platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This adds a nice crunch and makes the dish look inviting. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs overnight. This allows the spices and sauces to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Monitor Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is properly preheated before placing the chicken on it. This helps achieve that perfect sear and keeps the chicken juicy inside. Baste Regularly: While grilling or roasting, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade every few minutes. This enhances the flavor and creates a sticky, caramelized glaze. Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful. {{image_4}} To make a Sticky Char Siu that is vegetarian, use mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce. This sauce adds a rich, umami flavor that mimics the traditional taste. Here’s how to do it: - Ingredients for Marinade: - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce - 1 tablespoon mushroom sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 teaspoon five-spice powder - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, minced - 1 tablespoon sesame oil You can use proteins like tofu, tempeh, or seitan as substitutes for chicken. These options soak up the marinade well, giving you that same sticky, sweet flavor. To make your Sticky Char Siu Chicken even better, consider adding spices or sauces. You might try: - Spices: Add chili flakes for heat or smoked paprika for a smoky taste. - Sauces: A dash of sriracha or sesame sauce can elevate the dish. You can also cook with toppings or garnishes like: - Fresh herbs: Cilantro or basil can add freshness. - Fruits: Grilled pineapple or mango can bring a sweet twist. These enhancements make your dish unique and tailored to your taste! To keep your Sticky Char Siu Chicken fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. - Freezing: For longer storage, wrap chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Place in a freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Be sure to label the bag with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to reheat them: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy. - Microwave Method: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Stir the chicken to keep it from drying out. Adjust cooking times based on the amount of chicken you are reheating. Enjoy your tasty meal! Char Siu Chicken is a popular dish from China. The name means "fork roasted." Traditionally, chefs marinate pork in a sweet sauce and roast it. This dish is famous for its rich flavor and sticky glaze. People love it for its sweet and savory taste. Now, we use chicken, which is just as delicious. Char Siu Chicken is often served at special events or family meals. Yes, you can use chicken breast. However, chicken thighs have more fat, which makes them juicier. Chicken breasts may dry out faster while cooking. If you use breasts, watch the cooking time closely. Thighs also absorb the marinade better, giving a deeper flavor. Choose thighs for the best taste and texture. Marinating the chicken for at least one hour is great. This lets the flavors soak in. For even better taste, marinate overnight. Longer marination helps break down the meat, making it tender and flavorful. Just don’t marinate for too long, or the chicken could get mushy. Sticky Char Siu Chicken pairs well with many sides. Steamed rice is a classic choice. It balances the sweet flavors of the chicken. Stir-fried vegetables add color and nutrients. You can also serve it with a fresh salad. For extra zest, add lime wedges on the side. This makes for a tasty and complete dinner. In this blog post, we explored how to make Sticky Char Siu Chicken from scratch. We discussed the essential fresh ingredients and marination methods that boost flavor. I shared step-by-step instructions for grilling and roasting chicken, plus tips for avoiding common mistakes. Don’t forget about our variations, like a vegetarian option and flavor enhancements. Proper storage and reheating methods help keep your meal delicious. With these insights, you can create a dish that impresses everyone at your table. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Sticky Char Siu Chicken

A deliciously sticky and flavorful chicken dish marinated in a blend of Asian sauces and spices.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 thighs boneless chicken
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or mushroom sauce for vegetarian option)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon five-spice powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce (or mushroom sauce), honey, brown sugar, five-spice powder, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated, forming a smooth marinade.
Add the boneless chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring each piece is generously coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight to deepen the flavor.
Before cooking, preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking.
Carefully remove the chicken from the marinade. Set the marinade aside; it will be used later for basting.
On a preheated grill, cook the chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side. During grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade every few minutes for enhanced flavor and that signature sticky glaze.
If opting for oven roasting, place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Roast the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, carefully flipping each piece halfway through and basting with the marinade to create a rich, sticky coating.
Once the chicken is beautifully golden and sticky, remove it from the heat source, letting it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Slice the rested chicken thighs into elegant strips. Arrange them attractively on a serving platter, garnishing with sliced green onions and a sprinkling of sesame seeds for a delightful crunch and color.

Notes

Serve with a side of steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a colorful and balanced meal. Consider adding lime wedges for an extra zesty flavor!

Keyword chicken, grilled, marinated, sticky