Description
This Char Siu Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder. The chicken is pan-fried to a perfect caramelized glaze, then garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, delivering a deliciously sweet and savory dish inspired by classic Chinese barbecue flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cut chicken thigh pieces into the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-4 hours, to allow the chicken to absorb all the flavors.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking, which will ensure a nice sear.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the pieces into the hot pan in a single layer, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked through and caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and to evenly coat with any remaining marinade in the pan.
- Finish and Garnish: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving dish. Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top for a fresh and nutty garnish. Serve hot as a main dish with rice or noodles.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Use skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat compared to chicken breast.
- Adjust honey quantity to control sweetness to your preference.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
- If preferred, grill the marinated chicken pieces instead of pan-frying for a smoky flavor.
Keywords: Char Siu Chicken, Chinese BBQ Chicken, Hoisin Chicken, Five-Spice Chicken, Easy Chinese Recipe