Simple Baked Char Siu Chicken Recipe Is Juicy, Sweet & Savory by Donna John

Char siu, sometimes called Chinese barbecue, is a Cantonese dish of roasted meat covered in a sweet, savory sauce that originated in Guangdong. The Asian dish can be found in most Chinese restaurants. I grew up eating those small, sticky red pork spareribs, and still order them with my Asian dinners and takeout. This easy baked char siu chicken recipe has all those flavors but on juicy chicken thighs. Delicious.

This baked chicken recipe has simple prep and bakes up in about 15 to 20 minutes after being marinated. You could skip the marinating process if you're in a hurry, but if you have the time, the depth of flavor is worth it. Here is your shopping list for this easy chicken dinner: boneless chicken thighs, honey, low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, sweet dark soy sauce, brown sugar, fresh garlic, five spice powder and optional red food coloring.

These juicy chicken thighs are amazing piled on top of brown rice, jasmine rice or even Asian noodles for dinner. I served mine over brown rice with a broccoli bundle, but snow peas, sugar snap peas, bok choy or any Asian vegetable would complete the meal.

Cuisine: Asian / Cantonese / American
Prep Time: 5 minutes plus 2 hours to marinate
Cook Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 to 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 - 16 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Char Siu Sauce 

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sweet dark soy sauce (see Recipe Notes)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, pressed, minced or grated
• 1-inch fresh ginger root, grated, or 3 cubes frozen ginger
• 1 teaspoon five spice powder
• red food coloring (optional)

Recipe Notes

• I used ABC Sweet Soy Sauce, but use your favorite.

• The red food coloring is optional, but does add the color that we all associate with char sui.
  

• If you have time, remove the chicken from the fridge about 20 minutes before cooking so it can come to room temperature.

• I used a garlic press on my garlic, but you can chop it fine with a sharp knife or grate on a fine grater.

• I used Dorot Garden's frozen ginger cubes.

• I covered my baking dish with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Here's how to make it: 

1. Put all the sauce ingredients into a shallow baking dish or food storage bag.
   
2. Stir to combine.
   
3. Add the red food coloring, if using, and stir.
   
4. Add the chicken, cover or seal and marinate at least 2 hours and up to overnight in the fridge.
   
5. When ready to cook, put the chicken onto a baking sheet.
   
6. Bake in a preheated 400-degree F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
   
7. Serve over rice and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
   

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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