Chinese Barbecue Chicken (Char Siu Chicken)
Chinese Barbecue Chicken (Char Siu Chicken)
Ingredients
For the Char Siu Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup Char Siu sauce
- 2 tablespoons maltose, or granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rose wine
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring powder, or as needed for desired color
For Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Place the chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl. Ensure the chicken is patted dry before adding to the bowl.
⏱️ 2 min
- 2
Add the Char Siu sauce, maltose (or granulated sugar), honey, oyster sauce, rose wine, and red food coloring powder to the bowl with the chicken. The red food coloring is crucial for achieving the characteristic vibrant red color of Char Siu.
⏱️ 3 min
- 3
Wearing a glove, thoroughly mix all the ingredients with the chicken thighs by hand. Ensure each piece of chicken is completely coated in the vibrant red marinade. This hands-on approach ensures even distribution of flavor and color.
⏱️ 5 min
- 4
Heat a large wok or a heavy-bottomed skillet over low flame for 2-3 minutes until hot.
⏱️ 3 min
- 5
Increase the heat to high. Carefully add the marinated chicken thighs to the hot wok in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.
⏱️ 2 min
- 6
Cook the chicken over high heat, turning occasionally, for about 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, caramelized, and has developed a beautiful char on the edges. The marinade will thicken and cling to the chicken as it cooks. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
⏱️ 18 min
- 7
Remove the cooked Char Siu chicken from the wok and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
⏱️ 5 min
- 8
Slice the chicken into desired pieces and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. Serve immediately with rice or noodles.
⏱️ 2 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
For the Char Siu Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup Char Siu sauce
- 2 tablespoons maltose, or granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rose wine
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring powder, or as needed for desired color
For Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Place the chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl. Ensure the chicken is patted dry before adding to the bowl.
⏱️ 2 min - 2
Add the Char Siu sauce, maltose (or granulated sugar), honey, oyster sauce, rose wine, and red food coloring powder to the bowl with the chicken. The red food coloring is crucial for achieving the characteristic vibrant red color of Char Siu.
⏱️ 3 min - 3
Wearing a glove, thoroughly mix all the ingredients with the chicken thighs by hand. Ensure each piece of chicken is completely coated in the vibrant red marinade. This hands-on approach ensures even distribution of flavor and color.
⏱️ 5 min - 4
Heat a large wok or a heavy-bottomed skillet over low flame for 2-3 minutes until hot.
⏱️ 3 min - 5
Increase the heat to high. Carefully add the marinated chicken thighs to the hot wok in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.
⏱️ 2 min - 6
Cook the chicken over high heat, turning occasionally, for about 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, caramelized, and has developed a beautiful char on the edges. The marinade will thicken and cling to the chicken as it cooks. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
⏱️ 18 min - 7
Remove the cooked Char Siu chicken from the wok and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
⏱️ 5 min - 8
Slice the chicken into desired pieces and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. Serve immediately with rice or noodles.
⏱️ 2 min