Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken (Chinese BBQ Chicken)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900 g) boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks

• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (adds rich color)

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

• A few drops of red food coloring (optional, for traditional red hue)

🔪 Instructions:

1. Make the marinade:
   In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, brown sugar, soy sauces, oyster sauce, wine, five-spice powder, garlic, sesame oil, and red food coloring if using.

2. Marinate the chicken:
   Place chicken in a zip-top bag or container and pour the marinade over it.
   Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

3. Preheat oven:
   Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (to help with even cooking).

4. Bake the chicken:
   Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and place on rack.
   Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning and basting with leftover marinade once or twice.

5. Caramelize:
   In the last 5 minutes, increase heat to broil to get those charred, sticky edges. Watch closely to avoid burning.

6. Rest & serve:
   Let rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds.

🍚 Serving Suggestions:

• Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice

• Stir-fried bok choy or Chinese broccoli

• Pickled vegetables or cucumbers