This Char Siu Chicken comes together in about 45 minutes and involves minimal cleanup for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the sauces or vegetables to suit your taste! Perfect, right?
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s gather everything we need to make this absolute gem! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Char Siu Chicken:
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These are juicy, tender, and perfect for marinating. Thighs offer so much flavor!
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: This adds a salty, umami punch that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce: It brings sweetness and a bit of that luscious glaze we’re all looking for.
- 1 tbsp honey: The perfect sweetness to balance out the savory notes.
- 1 tbsp packed brown sugar: A little more sweetness that really helps with caramelization.
- 1 tbsp rice wine (or dry sherry): This will add depth; if you don’t have it, just skip it, still delish!
- 1 tsp five-spice powder: This blend adds complexity; it’s warm and aromatic, trust me.
- 1 clove fresh garlic, minced: There’s just something about garlic, am I right? It makes everything better.
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger: It adds a zingy kick that perks up all the other flavors.
Just imagine all of these coming together in one bite! It’s like a flavor explosion!
Possible Substitutions
- Feel free to swap out chicken for pork or tofu for something vegetarian.
- Don’t have hoisin? Use teriyaki for a different angle!
- Want a kick? Toss in some sriracha or red pepper flakes.
- If you’re low on fresh ginger and garlic, powdered versions work, just adjust the quantity since they’re more concentrated.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions that will guide you through making this quick and easy Char Siu Chicken!
Step 1: Whisk Up That Marinade
First, grab a bowl and whisk together all your ingredients (except the chicken) until it looks glossy. Taste it and, hey, adjust with a little more honey or soy sauce if needed, it’s your flavor harmony!
Step 2: Marinade Time
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This is super important for getting that nice glaze later! Coat the chicken in your marinade, cover it up, and pop it in the fridge. Ideally, let it sit for at least 2 hours to overnight for deeper flavor, but if you’re short on time, just a quick 30-minute soak will do!
Step 3: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Oh, and you should line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. If you’ve got a rack, place that on top, it’s going to help the heat circulate and gives us that nice, crispy texture we want!
Step 4: Bake, Baby, Bake!
Lay out the chicken thighs on the rack (they shouldn’t be touching). Allow them to bake for 15 minutes, then baste with that wonderful marinade you saved. This is where the flavor really builds!
Step 5: Keep Baking
Now, bake for another 10-15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is all sticky and caramelized. Just wait until you smell that aromatic goodness wafting through your kitchen!
Step 6: Let It Rest
Once done, let your dish rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute, so important for tenderness!
Step 7: Optional Char Finish
Want a smoky, charred finish? After baking, pop the chicken on a hot grill or under the broiler for about 2 minutes per side. You’ll get that awesome grill taste, like summer on a plate!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my easy Gochujang Chicken for a quick chicken dinner idea or my Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs, perfect for busy nights.
Why This Char Siu Chicken Works
Quick & Easy
This Char Siu Chicken is a 45-minute meal that comes together with minimal fuss, no complicated techniques here! Perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Pan Wonder
Everything cooks on one baking sheet, so clean up is a breeze! Just toss that foil and you’re done. Now that’s what I call hassle-free.
Loaded with Flavor
Marinating infuses the chicken with tons of flavor, ensuring every bite is just bursting with deliciousness. Plus, the glaze caramelizes beautifully for a crispy finish.
Family-Friendly
This meal pleases even the pickiest eaters! It’s sweet, savory, and smells amazing as it bakes, your family might even come running to the dinner table!
Serving and Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
Pair this Barbecued Pork Chicken with jasmine rice or a fresh side salad. You could even whip up some coleslaw for that crunch!
How Long It Keeps
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Trust me, this recipe is fantastic as leftovers.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a quick reheat or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, just until heated through. Keep it covered with a lid to retain moisture!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! This dish is freezer-friendly. Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then follow the reheating instructions.
Sometimes, I tweak this recipe based on what I’ve got going on in my life at the moment. Like, if it’s summertime, I might toss in some grilled veggies on that baking sheet for a one-pan meal! Or if we have leftover rice, I’ll serve that alongside. You get my drift, right?
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even barbecue it outdoors for that smoky flavor, especially during those lovely summer evenings when the weather’s just perfect. Just remember, cooking should be fun! Embrace the chaos!
So, gear up for a delicious meal with this Char Siu Chicken that promises good flavors, quick cooking, and happy family vibes! Trust me; you’re going to nail this one!
I’m just so excited for you to try it out! Happy cooking! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
Print
Easy Barbecued Pork Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A flavorful Barbecued Pork Chicken that comes together in about 45 minutes with minimal cleanup, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
Instructions
- Whisk together all ingredients (except the chicken) in a bowl until glossy. Adjust flavors as needed.
- Pat the chicken dry and coat it in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Lay out the chicken thighs on the rack and bake for 15 minutes. Baste with marinade.
- Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- For a smoky char, grill or broil for 2 minutes per side after baking.
Notes
This dish is versatile; feel free to switch out chicken for pork or tofu. Perfect for using up leftovers!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg