Description
Char Siu Chicken Roast is a flavorful twist on the traditional Cantonese-style BBQ pork, bringing together savory, sweet, and aromatic notes. This easy-to-make dish delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a delicious glaze, perfect for pairing with rice or noodles. The beautiful caramelization and deep flavors make this a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 300g (10.5 oz) chicken thighs (with some fat for flavor)
- For the Marinade:
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (or kecap manis)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, pureed or grated
- 1-inch piece ginger, pureed or grated
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- Pinch of white pepper
- 1 tsp red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine honey, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, white pepper, and red food coloring (if using). Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight).
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top to catch drippings.
- Roast the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack and roast for 20 minutes.
- Make the Glaze: While the chicken roasts, pour the leftover marinade into a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Brush and Flip: After 20 minutes, brush the chicken with the thickened marinade. Flip the chicken, brush the other side, and continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for pressed tofu or seitan for a plant-based alternative.
- For a Spicy Kick: Add chili paste or chili flakes to the marinade.
- Chicken Breasts: While thighs are ideal for moisture, you can use chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time to prevent dryness.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Chinese