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Easy Char Siu Chicken Recipe – Cantonese BBQ at Home (Chinese Honey Glazed Chicken)

There’s something instantly mouthwatering about Char Siu chicken. That deep red glaze, the sticky shine, and the sweet-savory aroma drifting through the kitchen feel like a warm invitation to sit down and enjoy a proper Cantonese BBQ meal. This Easy Char Siu Chicken recipe brings those classic Chinese flavors right into your home, no restaurant required.

Juicy chicken coated in a rich honey glaze, roasted until caramelized and glossy—this dish delivers comfort, flavor, and visual appeal all in one bite.

Why Char Siu Chicken Is So Popular

Char Siu is beloved for its balance. Sweetness meets umami, richness meets tenderness, and every bite feels indulgent without being heavy. When prepared with chicken, the flavors soak in beautifully, producing meat that’s flavorful from the inside out.

As the chicken roasts, the glaze thickens and darkens, creating that signature sticky coating that defines Cantonese BBQ.

Recipe Overview

  • Difficulty Level: Intermediate

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

  • Rest Time: 4 hours

  • Cooking Temperature: 400°F

  • Estimated Cost: Medium

  • Number of Servings: 5 oz per serving

  • Best Season: All seasons

Ingredients

This recipe uses a balanced combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic ingredients to create the classic Char Siu flavor profile. Each component plays an important role in achieving the glossy finish and deep taste that make this dish so iconic.

Equipment Needed

To achieve even roasting and proper caramelization, a simple setup is all you need. Proper airflow and controlled heat help the glaze develop beautifully while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.

How to Make Easy Char Siu Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Combine the ingredients until smooth and well blended. The mixture should be thick, glossy, and aromatic, with a perfect balance of sweetness and savory depth.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Coat the chicken thoroughly, making sure every surface is well covered. This ensures the flavor penetrates deeply and evenly. Allow the chicken to rest so the marinade can fully absorb into the meat.

Step 3: Roast the Chicken

Preheat the oven and arrange the chicken so heat circulates evenly around each piece. Roast until the surface begins to caramelize and the aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish

During roasting, brush the chicken with the remaining glaze. This builds layers of flavor and creates the signature sticky, shiny exterior. Continue roasting until the chicken is beautifully caramelized and cooked through.

Texture and Flavor You’ll Love

This Char Siu Chicken delivers:

  • Juicy, tender meat

  • Sticky, honey-glazed exterior

  • Sweet and savory balance

  • Rich Cantonese BBQ aroma

Each bite is bold, satisfying, and deeply comforting.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs effortlessly with many sides and meals:

  • Steamed white rice

  • Stir-fried vegetables

  • Noodles or fried rice

  • Stuffed into bao or wraps

  • Served as a main protein platter

It’s versatile enough for everyday dinners and impressive enough for guests.

Cuisine and Dietary Information

  • Cuisine: Chinese (Cantonese)

  • Course: Main Course, Dinner

  • Cooking Method: Roasting

  • Dietary Notes:

    • Dairy-Free

    • Gluten-Free when using gluten-free soy sauce

Helpful Cooking Tips

  • Allow enough resting time for maximum flavor

  • Baste gently to keep the glaze intact

  • Watch closely toward the end to avoid over-caramelizing

These small steps make a big difference in the final result.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Rest Time 240 mins
Total Time 4 hrs 55 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 400  C
Servings: 6
Estimated Cost: 14
Calories: 380
Best Season: All Seasons
Dietary: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free (with GF soy sauce)
Description

This Char Siu Chicken delivers authentic Cantonese BBQ flavors – sweet, savory, and beautifully caramelized. Marinated in a traditional char siu sauce and roasted until sticky and charred, it's incredibly versatile and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey (plus extra for glazing)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce (for color)
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
  • 1 tablespoon red fermented tofu (optional - for authentic flavor and color)
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • Red food coloring (optional - for traditional color)
Instructions
  1. 1
    In a large bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, sesame oil, dark soy sauce, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, fermented tofu (if using), and white pepper. Mix well until smooth.
  2. 2
    Add a few drops of red food coloring if you want the traditional reddish color (this is optional).
  3. 3
    Score the chicken thighs lightly with a knife to help the marinade penetrate. Add the chicken to the marinade and coat thoroughly.
  4. 4
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
  5. 5
    When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  6. 6
    Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the excess marinade. Place chicken on the prepared wire rack.
  7. 7
    Roast for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  8. 8
    After 15 minutes, remove chicken from oven and brush generously with the cooked marinade. Return to oven.
  9. 9
    Continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes, brushing with marinade every 5 minutes, until the chicken is caramelized and charred in spots and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  10. 10
    During the last 5 minutes, brush with additional honey for extra gloss. For more char, broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully.
  11. 11
    Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve over rice with any remaining sauce drizzled on top..
Note

For the best results, use chicken thighs rather than breasts – they stay moist and develop better flavor. The marinade time is important; overnight marinating yields the most flavorful results. If you don't have red fermented tofu, add a tablespoon of miso paste for extra umami. Watch the chicken closely during the final broiling to prevent burning.

Keywords: Char Siu Recipe, Char Siu Chicken, Chinese BBQ Chicken, Cantonese Roast Chicken, Honey Glazed Chicken, Asian BBQ Recipe
Read it online: https://recipoid.com/recipe/easy-char-siu-chicken-recipe-cantonese-bbq-at-home-chinese-honey-glazed-chicken/
Olivia James