Description
This Irresistible Char Siu Chicken recipe offers a deliciously tender and flavorful grilled chicken marinated in a classic blend of soy sauce, honey, hoisin, and aromatic spices. Perfectly charred on the outside with a juicy interior, this dish brings the beloved Cantonese BBQ flavors to your home grill, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and five-spice powder. Stir well until all ingredients are fully mixed.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or for best flavor, marinate overnight.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and place them on the grill. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side, turning until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice char.
- Brush with Reserved Marinade: During grilling, use the reserved marinade to brush over the chicken to enhance the flavor and keep it moist.
- Let Rest and Serve: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, then slice and serve hot.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Ensure grill temperature is medium-high to achieve the perfect char without drying out the chicken.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, though thighs remain juicier.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to brush during grilling to avoid contamination.
