Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken

Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken is a quick and delicious dinner option that’s better than takeout. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to the perfect crispy skin and sticky glaze. Keep reading for my best tips or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Bourbon Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls with Candied Bacon and Creamy Lemon Lavender Cheesecake with Honeycomb Topping.

Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken on a plate
💛

Why This Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner Is Pure Comfort

  • Crispy skin with a sticky, caramelized glaze
  • Tender, juicy chicken with a rich, savory flavor
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients
  • Better than takeout and freezes well for meal prep

What You'll Need for Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tbsp five-spice powder
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)
  • Optional: Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: Sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)
Raw ingredients for Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken

📝 Ingredient Notes

  • Shaoxing wine: You can substitute dry sherry if Shaoxing wine is not available.

🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend

  • Meat Thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time. → See on Amazon
  • Stainless Steel Baking Sheet — Prevents warping and ensures even heat distribution. → See on Amazon
Plated Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken

How to Make Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Step 2: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper. Place the chicken thighs, skin-side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Step 3: Brush the marinade over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. Spoon any remaining marinade over the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Step 5: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
🎩

Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner

  • Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Pro tip: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • Pro tip: To make ahead, marinate the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Pro tip: Freeze leftover cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Storing & Reheating Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Marinate the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Freezing Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, then crisp under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.

Recipe Notes

  • Chef tip: For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or serve with Sriracha sauce.
  • Best substitution: Substitute chicken thighs with bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks or breasts.
  • Make-ahead: Marinate the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more people.
  • Troubleshooting: If the chicken skin is not crispy, broil it for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.

Want to level up this recipe?

Stainless Steel Baking Sheet — Prevents warping and ensures even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked chicken every time. → Check price on Amazon

Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Plated Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken
Prep
10 mins
🍳
Cook
35 mins
Total
45 mins
🍽
Serves
4 servings
🥗
Diet
Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tbsp five-spice powder
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Seasonings

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)

Optional Toppings

  • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Step 2: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper. Place the chicken thighs, skin-side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Step 3: Brush the marinade over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. Spoon any remaining marinade over the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Step 5: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

  • Chef tip: For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or serve with Sriracha sauce.
  • Best substitution: Substitute chicken thighs with bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks or breasts.
  • Make-ahead: Marinate the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more people.
  • Troubleshooting: If the chicken skin is not crispy, broil it for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.

Storage

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
  • Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, then crisp under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
  • Make ahead: Marinate the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 38g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbs: 16g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
  • Sat. Fat: 7g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner FAQs

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Why did my chicken turn out dry?

Overcooking is the most common reason for dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I freeze this?

Yes, freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make this in the air fryer?

Yes, cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What is the best substitute for Shaoxing wine?

You can substitute dry sherry if Shaoxing wine is not available.

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!

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