• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Ahead of Thyme logo

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Work With Us
    • Press
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Food Blogger Business School
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Asian Takeout » Char Siu (Chinese BBQ) Chicken

    Char Siu (Chinese BBQ) Chicken

    5 Comments

    304 Shares
    Pin298
    Yum5
    Share
    Tweet1
    More
    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Sweet, sticky, and savoury, Char Siu (Chinese BBQ) chicken is a delicious chicken dinner packed with classic Asian flavours with incredible depth of flavour. The honey in the sticky glaze creates a beautiful caramelization colour that is iconic on a Char Siu and fermented red beans adds that distinct red colour. Plus, making it at home just tastes so much better than takeout. Marinate it ahead of time and bake it in the oven in just 40 minutes. It's the best dinner on busy weeknights or on any night of the week.

    Sweet sticky and savoury Char Siu (Chinese BBQ) chicken is a delicious dinner packed with classic Asian flavours with incredible flavour. | aheadofthyme.com

    If you like barbecue pork belly, then you will love this chicken version with the same classic Cantonese flavours that will fill your kitchen with the best smells. Serve this Char Sui chicken over a bowl of steamed rice or fried rice with the pan drippings on top, and a Chinese cucumber salad or stir-fried vegetables on the side.

    Sweet sticky and savoury Char Siu (Chinese BBQ) chicken is a delicious dinner packed with classic Asian flavours with incredible flavour. | aheadofthyme.com

    Ingredients in Char Siu Chicken

    To make Char Siu chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

    • chicken - boneless chicken breast or thighs. I used skinless chicken but you can keep the skin on if you prefer.
    • hoisin sauce
    • honey
    • vegetable oil
    • dark soy sauce
    • garlic
    • ground black pepper
    • fermented red bean curd - this is optional but it's what gives the Char Siu it's iconic red colouring.
    • sesame seeds - for garnish.

    You will also need measuring cups and spoons, large ziploc bag or mixing bowl, and a roasting pan (or a quarter sheet baking pan with a wire rack).

    Sweet sticky and savoury Char Siu (Chinese BBQ) chicken is a delicious dinner packed with classic Asian flavours with incredible flavour. | aheadofthyme.com

    How to Make the Best Char Siu (Chinese BBQ) Chicken

    1. Marinate the chicken. Pat dry chicken breasts (or thighs) completely with a paper towel before adding seasoning. Transfer the chicken to a ziploc bag and add in hoisin sauce, honey, vegetable oil, dark soy sauce, and garlic. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Press the marinate around the chicken to coat and place in the fridge to marinate at least 1 hour or overnight.
    2. Roast the chicken. Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a roasting pan (or quarter sheet baking pan) with aluminum foil and place the wire rack on top. Arrange the chicken on top of the wire rack. (You can add a cup of water to the bottom of the baking pan to keep the pan from smoking due to the pan drippings getting burnt). Bake for 30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through baking. 
    3. Make the extra glaze. In a small bowl, whisk to combine hoisin sauce, honey, fermented red bean curd and black pepper. The extra Char Siu sauce adds a beautiful caramelizing glaze on the chicken from the browning of the sugar during baking.
    4. Apply the glaze. Remove the chicken from the oven and generously apply the Char Siu sauce over each piece with a silicone brush and place back in the oven for another 3 minutes. Flip the chicken, apply Char Siu sauce again on the other side and bake for another 3 minutes. The internal temperature for the chicken should reach 165 F when measured on a meat thermometer.
    5. Broil. Apply additional char siu sauce, if desired. Turn the broiler on high and broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a caramel brown colour and until the edges of the chicken become slightly charred.
    6. Serve. Serve with a bowl of steamed rice and sprinkle sesame seeds for garnish.
    Sweet sticky and savoury Char Siu (Chinese BBQ) chicken is a delicious dinner packed with classic Asian flavours with incredible flavour. | aheadofthyme.com

    How to Store

    Store any leftover Char Siu (Chinese BBQ) chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, heat on the stove over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. The sauce may have thickened up a bit when stored, so add a little water to thin it out, as needed.

    Sweet sticky and savoury Char Siu (Chinese BBQ) chicken is a delicious dinner packed with classic Asian flavours with incredible flavour. | aheadofthyme.com

    More Chinese Recipes

    • Vegetarian Fried Rice
    • Shanghai Style Fried Noodles
    • Healthy Lemon Chicken
    • Beef Potstickers (Dumplings)
    • Baked Sesame Chicken
    • Chicken and Cilantro Wontons

    Did you make this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of the recipe. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

    Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more recipe updates.

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Sweet sticky and savoury Char Siu (Chinese BBQ) chicken is a delicious dinner packed with classic Asian flavours with incredible flavour. | aheadofthyme.com

    Char Siu (Chinese BBQ) Chicken


    ★★★★★

    4.7 from 3 reviews

    • Author: Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme
    • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
    • Yield: 3-4 servings
    • Diet: Gluten Free
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Sweet sticky and savoury Char Siu (Chinese BBQ) chicken is a delicious dinner packed with classic Asian flavours with incredible flavour.


    Ingredients

    • 2 lbs. chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless 
    • ⅓ cup hoisin sauce
    • 2 tablespoons liquid honey
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
    • sesame seeds (for garnish)

    For the char siu sauce (additional glaze):

    • ¼ cup hoisin sauce
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 1 tablespoon fermented red bean curd (optional, for colouring)
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

    Instructions

    1. Pat dry chicken breasts (or thighs) completely with a paper towel before adding seasoning.
    2. Transfer the chicken to a ziploc bag and add in hoisin sauce, honey, vegetable oil, dark soy sauce, and garlic. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Press the marinate around the chicken to coat and place in the fridge to marinate at least 1 hour or overnight.
    3. Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a roasting pan (or quarter sheet baking pan) with aluminum foil and place the wire rack on top. Arrange the chicken on top of the wire rack. (You can add a cup of water to the bottom of the baking pan to keep the pan from smoking due to the pan drippings getting burnt).
    4. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through baking. 
    5. In a small bowl, whisk to combine hoisin sauce, honey, fermented red bean curd and black pepper. The extra char siu sauce adds a beautiful caramelizing glaze on the chicken from the browning of the sugar during baking.
    6. Remove the chicken from the oven and generously apply the char siu sauce over each piece with a silicone brush and place back in the oven for another 3 minutes. Flip the chicken, apply char siu sauce again on the other side and bake for another 3 minutes. The internal temperature for the chicken should reach 165 F.
    7. Apply additional char siu sauce, if desired. Turn the broiler on high and broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a caramel brown colour and until the edges of the chicken become slightly charred.
    8. Serve with a bowl of steamed rice and sprinkle sesame seeds for garnish.
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes (+1 hour to marinate)
    • Cook Time: 40 minutes
    • Category: Chicken
    • Method: Baked
    • Cuisine: Chinese

    Keywords: char siu (chinese BBQ chicken), char siu chicken, chinese BBQ chicken, honey glazed chicken, chinese chicken, asian chicken

    Did you make this recipe?

    I'd love to see! Tag me @aheadofthyme on Instagram.

    Sweet sticky and savoury Char Siu (Chinese BBQ) chicken is a delicious dinner packed with classic Asian flavours with incredible flavour. | aheadofthyme.com
    Char Siu (Chinese BBQ) Chicken
    304 Shares
    Pin298
    Yum5
    Share
    Tweet1
    More
    « Beef Potstickers (Dumplings)
    Goat Cheese and Tangelo Winter Salad »

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe now to receive all the latest recipes, tips and news directly to your inbox.
    * indicates required
    How often would you like to receive recipe updates

    Food Blogger Business School | foodbloggerbusinessschool.com

    Food Blogger Business School

    A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business

    in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.

    LEARN MORE

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Belinda says

      April 05, 2022 at 4:22 pm

      Very good 🙂 Thank you for the recipe.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Justine says

      January 20, 2021 at 11:47 am

      Oh, this was so good! Super easy to make and full of flavor. nom nom nom.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says

        January 20, 2021 at 2:37 pm

        Thank you so much Justine!

        Reply
    3. Nellie Tracy says

      January 20, 2021 at 10:41 am

      Amazing recipe! Fantastic flavors!

      ★★★★

      Reply
      • Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says

        January 20, 2021 at 2:37 pm

        Thank you Nellie! So happy you liked the recipe.

        Reply

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Quick and easy recipes for the everyday home cook, using fresh, seasonal and wholesome ingredients -- from healthy meals to take-out to comfort foods. | aheadofthyme.com

    Hi, we're Sam and Dan! We like to help busy people eat real food that tastes good. Here, you can find hundreds of delicious, quick and easy recipes, using quality and wholesome ingredients. Read more about us

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe now to receive all the latest recipes, tips and news directly to your inbox.
    * indicates required
    How often would you like to receive recipe updates

    Food Blogger Business School | foodbloggerbusinessschool.com

    Food Blogger Business School

    A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business

    in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.

    LEARN MORE

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About Ahead of Thyme

    Hello and welcome! I'm Sam -- the founder of Ahead of Thyme, where we help busy people eat real food that tastes good. Here, you will find hundreds of delicious, quick and easy recipes, using quality and wholesome ingredients. So stay a while, browse around, and make something tasty for dinner tonight.

    • RSS Feed
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Work with Us
    • Shop
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
    • Food Blogger Business School
    • Newsletter

    Browse

    • 60+ Easy Dinners
    • 60+ Chicken Recipes
    • 25+ Ground Beef Recipes
    • 40+ Pasta Recipes
    • 50+ Bread Recipes
    • 25+ Air Fryer Recipes
    • Dessert

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

    Copyright © 2021 Ahead of Thyme Incorporated