recipe for char siu chicken

The Best recipe for char siu chicken

Oh, this Char Siu Chicken recipe—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a pan. I first made it for my husband when he was working long hours and needed something sweet, sticky, and comforting after a tough day. The way the meat glists with that caramelized glaze, the way it’s tender but still holds its shape—it’s like cooking has a little magic trick right there. My kids have been obsessed since they first tried it, especially when we serve it over rice with some steamed veggies on the side. It’s not just food; it’s a tradition, a way to make simple things feel special.

I love this recipe because it’s so versatile. You can make it for a quick weeknight dinner when everyone’s tired, or you can double it up and serve it at a family gathering with extra sides and maybe some dumplings on the table. And let’s talk about the health part—it’s got lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables, and a touch of natural sweetness from the sauce that doesn’t overpower. Plus, the glaze isn’t too heavy, so it’s not like you’re eating a dessert. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your body without even thinking about it. My kids won’t even notice they’re eating healthy when they’re diving into that sticky, savory bite.

Char Siu Chicken (Honey-Glazed BBQ Chicken)

4.6 from 858 votes

A classic Singaporean dish featuring tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder glazed in a sweet and savory honey-soy sauce. Perfect for a festive meal or a comforting weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time2 hours 30 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time2 hours 50 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp soy sauce

For the Sauce

• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup dark soy sauce
• 1 cup light soy sauce
• 1 cup water
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
• 1 tsp five-spice powder
• 1 tsp star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise pod
• 1 cup chicken stock

For Garnish

• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1/2 cup sliced red onions
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1 Prep the pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub with salt, pepper, and soy sauce, then let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2 Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix honey, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, water, minced garlic, grated ginger, black peppercorns, five-spice powder, star anise, cinnamon stick, and star anise pod. Stir well.
3. 3 Cook the pork: Place the pork in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Pour the sauce over the pork, ensuring it is fully coated. Add chicken stock. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until tender.
4. 4 Rest and shred: Remove the pork from the liquid and let it rest for 15 minutes. Shred the meat using two forks.
5. 5 Adjust sauce: Return the shredded pork to the sauce in the slow cooker. Simmer for another 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
6. 6 Garnish and serve: Divide the shredded pork among plates. Top with sliced green onions, red onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice.

🔧Equipment

• Slow cooker or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven (optional, for crisping)
• Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 30g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

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This char siu chicken recipe is always a crowd-pleaser because it’s simple enough to make ahead of time while still feeling special, and the sweet-savory glaze makes it taste like a restaurant meal without the fuss. It’s perfect for family gatherings because it’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to serve—whether you’re feeding a big group for a holiday dinner or just want something delicious to keep everyone happy after a long day. Plus, the dish’s bold, comforting flavors make it a favorite that never gets old.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Char Siu Chicken (Honey-Glazed BBQ Chicken)

What is the traditional marinade for char siu chicken and what ingredients are typically used?

The traditional marinade for char siu chicken primarily consists of pork shoulder (or pork belly), soy sauce, sugar, hoisin sauce, five-spice powder, star anise, cloves, and black pepper. Some variations may also include garlic, ginger, salt, and rice wine or Shaoxing wine for deeper flavor. The pork is marinated for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.

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How long should I marinate the pork for the best flavor and tenderness?

For the best results, marinate the pork shoulder (or belly) for at least 4–6 hours, but an overnight (12+ hours) is ideal. The longer it marinates, the richer and more tender the meat becomes. If short on time, a minimum of 2–3 hours will still yield good results, though texture may not be as optimal.

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Can I use chicken instead of pork for char siu, and if so, what adjustments should I be made?

While char siu is traditionally made with pork, you can use chicken breast or thighs for a lighter version called “char kway teow siu” (char siu stir-fry). Adjustments include: – Using less sugar (chicken is leaner). – Adding extra hoisin sauce or oyster sauce to compensate for moisture. – Cooking until fully done (chicken may dry out faster). – Serving with rice noodles or egg to balance the dish.

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What is the best way to cook char siu chicken (or pork) to achieve the signature sticky, caramelized glaze?

To achieve the classic char siu glaze, follow these steps: 1. Marinate the pork thoroughly (overnight preferred). 2. Slow-cook in a low oven (160–180°C / 325–350°F) for 2–3 hours until tender, basting with marinade. 3. Broil or sear on high heat for 2–3 minutes per side to caramelize the surface. 4. Simmer in the marinade for 10–15 minutes to deepen the sauce. 5. Optional: For extra stickiness, reduce the sauce on the stovetop until thickened.

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How can I store and reheat char siu chicken to prevent drying out?

Storage: – Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. – Freezer: Portion into containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: – Oven method: Cover with foil, bake at 160°C (325°F) for 15–20 minutes (add a splash of water or hoisin sauce to prevent drying). – Stovetop method: Warm in a pan with a little oil and hoisin sauce for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. – Microwave: Use a damp paper towel over the dish for 30–60 seconds (check frequently to avoid overcooking). – Steaming: Place in a steamer basket with a little water for 5–7 minutes to retain moisture.