Char Siu or Char Siew is one of those classic Chinese dishes that most of us know and love. Char Siu is traditionally made with pork, but this recipe replaces it with chicken. Char Siu is a Chinese-style roast that is savory, sweet, and sticky.

This recipe is an ultra-easy, oven-roasted barbecue chicken that is one of my ultimate go-to’s!

Char Siu Chicken is very versatile. Personally, I love eating this with chicken rice.

Char Siu Chicken Recipe

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Servings: 2 servings

INGREDIENTS

300 grams of Chicken Thigh (fatty ones are best)

Marinade

1 tbsp Honey
1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
1 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (or Kecap Manis)
2 tbsp Brown Sugar
2 cloves Garlic, pureed or grated
1 inch Ginger, pureed or grated
1 tsp Chinese Five Spice powder
Pinch of White Pepper
1 tsp Red Food Colouring (optional)

Instructions

Marinade

To begin, let’s prepare the marinade for the chicken. In a bowl (you can also use Ziploc bags), mix all the ingredients together until well combined.

Chicken Preparation

Next, it’s time to add the chicken to the marinade. I recommend using boneless chicken legs (approximately 300 grams) or chicken thighs for this recipe, as they tend to be more forgiving in the oven compared to chicken breasts, which can dry out easily. Ensure the chicken is fully coated in the marinade by massaging it in. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least two hours, or overnight for the best results.

Roasting

Now that the chicken has marinated, it’s ready to be roasted. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius and prepare your baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil. This will make cleanup easier as the marinade thickens and becomes sticky during roasting. Place the marinated chicken on the prepared pan and roast it in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Sauce

While the chicken is roasting, don’t discard the leftover marinade. Transfer it to a saucepan and heat it over low heat until it becomes thick and bubbly. This flavorful sauce will be used as a dipping sauce for the Char Siew Chicken or can be drizzled over rice for added taste.

Final Touches

After approximately 20 minutes, your Char Siew Chicken will be done. Remove it from the oven, and voila! The sweet, sticky, and savory chicken is ready to be enjoyed.

Serving Suggestions

One of my favorite ways to savor Char Siew Chicken is by pairing it with chicken rice. If you’re interested in trying that, you can find the recipe for chicken rice here (insert link). However, this versatile dish can be served with various accompaniments, depending on your preferences. Get creative and try it with steamed vegetables, noodles, or even in a sandwich.

In just a few easy steps, you can prepare a delicious Char Siew Chicken roast that is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of savory, sweet, and sticky flavors creates a tantalizing taste experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking to indulge in a flavorful meal, this Chinese-style red honey BBQ chicken will not disappoint. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful results of this easy-to-prepare recipe.