The Irresistible Char Siu Chicken Recipe with 10 Minute Prep Magic is your new go-to for flavorful, tender chicken with minimal effort. This dish boasts a beautiful glossy red glaze and smoky char marks that bring authentic BBQ flavor right to your kitchen. It's beginner-friendly and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. For a fresh side, pair it with my Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Why You'll Love Irresistible Char Siu Chicken Recipe with 10 Minute Prep Magic - Quick & Homemade Delight
Try this Irresistible Char Siu Chicken Recipe with 10 Minute Prep Magic for a quick, easy, and flavorful homemade meal everyone will love.
- Ready in under 40 minutes with only 10 minutes of prep.
- Sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors that please all ages.
- Uses pantry staples and common ingredients for easy cooking.
- Perfect for meal prep and delicious as leftovers.
Ingredients for Irresistible Char Siu Chicken Recipe with 10 Minute Prep Magic - Quick & Homemade Delight
Chicken Thighs: Best for juiciness; substitute with chicken breasts for leaner meat.Shaoxing Wine: Adds authentic flavor; dry sherry or mirin works well as alternatives.
- Chicken Thighs: Best for juiciness; substitute with chicken breasts for leaner meat.
- Shaoxing Wine: Adds authentic flavor; dry sherry or mirin works well as alternatives.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Irresistible Char Siu Chicken Recipe with 10 Minute Prep Magic - Quick & Homemade Delight are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Irresistible Char Siu Chicken Recipe with 10 Minute Prep Magic - Quick & Homemade Delight
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the Char Siu Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice, Shaoxing wine, vegetable oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, brown sugar, and red food coloring if using.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken thighs to the marinade. Toss well and let sit for 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have extra time).
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Cook the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack over it. Arrange chicken thighs on the rack and bake for 20-25 minutes, basting with leftover marinade halfway through.
Expert Tips for Irresistible Char Siu Chicken Recipe with 10 Minute Prep Magic - Quick & Homemade Delight
- Marinate the chicken longer for more intense flavor, but 10 minutes works great for a quick meal.
- Use a wire rack while baking to let heat circulate and prevent soggy bottoms.
- Basting halfway through cooking keeps chicken juicy and flavorful.
Irresistible Char Siu Chicken Recipe with 10 Minute Prep Magic - Quick & Homemade Delight
Try this Irresistible Char Siu Chicken Recipe with 10 Minute Prep Magic for a quick, easy, and flavorful homemade meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- Red food coloring (optional, for traditional color)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
How to Make Irresistible Char Siu Chicken Recipe with 10 Minute Prep Magic
- Prepare the Char Siu Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice, Shaoxing wine, vegetable oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, brown sugar, and red food coloring if using.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken thighs to the marinade. Toss well and let sit for 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have extra time).
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack over it. Arrange chicken thighs on the rack and bake for 20-25 minutes, basting with leftover marinade halfway through.
- Finish and Rest: For extra charred edges, broil for 2-3 minutes until caramelized. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Irresistible Char Siu Chicken Recipe with 10 Minute Prep Magic - Quick & Homemade Delight FAQs
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 2 hours ahead for enhanced flavor or cook it completely and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
Dry sherry or mirin are great substitutes that maintain an authentic flavor profile.
Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
Overcooking can dry the chicken out. Using thigh meat and basting during cooking helps keep it moist.
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- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
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Before You Go
If you try this Irresistible Char Siu Chicken Recipe with 10 Minute Prep Magic - Quick & Homemade Delight, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.