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Healthy Char Siu Chicken Recipe

Juicy Char Siu Chicken made with a sweet and savory Cantonese-style marinade, oven-roasted until glossy and caramelized. This easy homemade Chinese barbecue chicken delivers takeout-style flavor with a lighter, healthier twist.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring optional

Method
 

  1. Whisk hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, five-spice powder, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and food coloring until smooth.
  2. Add chicken thighs and coat evenly with marinade.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with foil and a wire rack.
  5. Arrange chicken on rack and reserve remaining marinade.
  6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes.
  7. Broil for the final 5 minutes until caramelized.
  8. Rest for 5 minutes, slice, and serve.

Notes

Basting regularly helps build the signature glossy char siu glaze. Watch closely while broiling to prevent burning.