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Glazed Char Siu Chicken

Section: Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Families

Char siu chicken combines tender, juicy thighs with a flavorful blend of honey, soy sauces, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice. Marinated to infuse every bite with deep savory-sweet notes, the chicken is roasted to develop a caramelized, glossy mahogany crust. Frequent basting layers a sticky, fragrant glaze, while resting the meat locks in moisture and tenderness. Serve alongside jasmine rice or steamed greens for a balanced and satisfying meal that captures authentic Chinese barbecue flavors.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Brought to You By iman
Last updated on Thu, 01 Jan 2026 23:08:21 GMT
Glazed char siu chicken on a wooden cutting board. Bookmark
Glazed char siu chicken on a wooden cutting board. | imaninthekitchen.com

Char siu chicken delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with a rich, sweetsavory marinade that transforms a simple dinner into something really special. This recipe brings the classic flavors of Chinese barbecue right into your home kitchen using everyday pantry ingredients and an easy ovenroasting method. The result is deeply caramelized, glossy chicken with layers of flavor that work perfectly over rice or alongside steamed greens for a balanced and satisfying meal.

I remember the first time I got this recipe right after struggling with traditional pork versions and how amazed I was by the juicy texture and bold flavors that came through every time since then my family looks forward to it regularly and it’s always a crowd-pleaser with friends

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: Choose bonein skinon for moisture retention and a caramelized crust boneless works if short on time
  • Honey: Natural honey ensures a glossy sticky glaze do not substitute with artificial syrups as they fail to caramelize properly
  • Light soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami without overpowering keep it simple with clean ingredient brands
  • Dark soy sauce: Brings the signature deep mahogany color and a mild sweetness Indonesian style sweet soy is okay if you need a substitute
  • Oyster sauce: Adds complexity and traditional flavor mushroom based alternatives work for vegetarians
  • Chinese five spice: Essential for the signature warm fragrant notes buy fresh and aromatic blends
  • Fresh ginger and garlic: Use fresh roots not powders for vivid flavor and a fresh savory punch
  • Brown sugar: Balances sweet with caramel notes choose unrefined if possible for deeper flavor

Instructions

Creating the Perfect Marinade:
Begin by whisking together honey light soy sauce dark soy sauce oyster sauce brown sugar grated ginger minced garlic Chinese five spice and a pinch or two of white pepper in a large bowl Stir thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and the marinade is smooth Taste and adjust for balance as the flavor will become more intense during cooking
Marination Magic:
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow container Pour the marinade over them making sure to coat each piece completely especially near the skin Seal and refrigerate for at least two hours though overnight yields the best tenderness and flavor infusion
Oven Setup for Success:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit Line a rimmed baking tray with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup Remove chicken from the marinade and arrange skin side up on the tray Reserve the remaining marinade for basting Allow the chicken to come to room temperature by resting it about fifteen minutes before cooking this helps it cook evenly
Achieving Caramelized Perfection:
Roast the chicken for thirty five to forty minutes Baste every fifteen minutes with the reserved marinade to build sticky layers The chicken is done when the internal temperature hits one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit and the skin appears glossy brown with slight crispness For extra color briefly place under the broiler but watch closely to avoid burning Let the chicken rest for at least ten minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute and the meat stays moist
A plate of glazed char siu chicken.
A plate of glazed char siu chicken. | imaninthekitchen.com

What really stands out to me every time I cook this recipe is the dark sticky crust that builds up as I baste the chicken It instantly transports me back to warm memories of sharing similar dishes at my favorite Chinatown spot with friends the aroma alone makes it all worthwhile

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Serve the chicken atop steaming jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful juices Add lightly steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli for some freshness and balance Consider pairing with a hot and sour soup or egg drop soup for a comforting meal spread

Creative Flavor Variations

Try whisking in a spoonful of hoisin sauce or a splash of rice wine vinegar into the marinade for complex sweetness If you want heat add a touch of chili garlic paste but keep the essence sweet and savory

Storage Solutions

Char siu chicken keeps well in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days Its flavors deepen overnight making leftovers tastier Enjoy the cold sliced chicken in salads or sandwiches Gently warm leftovers in a low oven to keep the meat moist

A glazed char siu chicken on a wooden cutting board.
A glazed char siu chicken on a wooden cutting board. | imaninthekitchen.com

After many trials I learned patience is key. The marination and constant basting truly make the difference between average and spectacular.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but breasts are leaner and less juicy. Reduce baking to 15-18 minutes to avoid drying out the meat.

→ Is red food coloring necessary for the classic look?

Not required. Dark soy sauce provides a rich color and flavor without food coloring.

→ Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?

Definitely. Grill over medium heat, basting regularly and turning to prevent burning while achieving a caramelized crust.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least two hours, but overnight marinating enhances tenderness and deepens flavor.

→ What sides pair well with glazed char siu chicken?

Steamed jasmine rice, simple Asian greens like bok choy or broccoli, and light soups complement the dish well.

Glazed Char Siu Chicken

Juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet-savory honey and soy glaze, roasted to a glossy finish.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
40 minutes
Total Time
60 minutes
Brought to You By: iman

Recipe Category: Dinner Recipes

Skill Level: Moderately Challenging

Cuisine Origin: Chinese

Portions: 4 Serves (4 servings)

Diet Preferences: Low-Carbohydrate, No Dairy

What You'll Need

→ Poultry

01 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approx. 3 lb)

→ Marinade

02 1/4 cup honey
03 1/4 cup light soy sauce
04 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
05 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
06 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
07 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
08 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
10 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Steps to Follow

Step 01

In a large bowl, whisk together honey, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and white pepper until sugar is fully dissolved and mixture is smooth.

Step 02

Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow container. Pour marinade over the chicken, massaging gently to ensure even coverage, especially under the skin. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for enhanced flavor and tenderness.

Step 03

Set oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 04

Remove chicken from marinade and arrange skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Reserve marinade for basting. Allow chicken to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to promote even cooking.

Step 05

Bake chicken for 35 to 40 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with reserved marinade to build a sticky, caramelized glaze. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is shiny with crisp edges.

Step 06

For additional color and texture, broil chicken for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Step 07

Let chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices and tenderness.

Additional Notes

  1. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without drying out the meat.
  2. Marinating overnight allows flavors to deepen and meat to become more tender.
  3. Frequent basting during roasting builds a rich, glossy glaze every time.
  4. Leftovers store well in airtight containers refrigerated up to 4 days and taste better after resting.

Must-Have Tools

  • Rimmed baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Resealable plastic bag or shallow container
  • Instant-read thermometer

Allergy Details

Always inspect ingredient packaging for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains soy and shellfish (oyster sauce)

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional info is purely informational and not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 35 g