Craving bold, restaurant-style Chinese barbecue at home? Char Siu Chicken Roast is a mouthwatering Chinese BBQ Chicken dish featuring juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet-salty, umami-rich marinade and roasted to sticky, caramelized perfection. With crispy edges and a glossy glaze, this sticky chicken roast is perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Let’s make this Char Siu Chicken Roast and bring vibrant Asian-inspired flavors to your table!
Why You’ll Love Char Siu Chicken Roast
- Bold Flavors: Sweet, savory, and umami-packed in this glazed chicken roast.
- Easy Prep: Simple ingredients create a stunning Asian-inspired chicken dish.
- Versatile: Ideal for family meals or entertaining with this sticky chicken roast.
- Sticky Glaze: Caramelized perfection in every bite of this glazed chicken roast.
- Make-Ahead: Marinate overnight for effortless Char Siu Chicken Roast prep.
Ingredients for Char Siu Chicken Roast
Here’s what you’ll need for this Asian-inspired chicken dish (serves 4–6):
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (900g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp red food coloring (optional)
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Zip-top bag or shallow dish
- Baking sheet with wire rack
- Foil
- Basting brush
Ingredient Tips
- Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on thighs ensure juicy Char Siu Chicken Roast; drumsticks work well too.
- Hoisin Sauce: Adds sweet-salty depth to this sticky chicken roast; find it in Asian markets or grocery stores.
- Shaoxing Wine: Brings authentic flavor to this Asian-inspired chicken; dry sherry is a great substitute.
- Five-Spice Powder: Essential for the signature taste of this glazed chicken roast.
- Red Food Coloring: Optional for traditional red hue; skip for a natural Asian-inspired chicken look.
Directions for Char Siu Chicken Roast
Let’s make this Char Siu Chicken Roast—a perfect sticky chicken roast!
Whisk the Marinade
In a medium bowl, I whisk 3 tbsp hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp five-spice powder, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp sesame oil, and ½ tsp red food coloring (if using) until smooth. I reserve 2 tbsp marinade for basting this glazed chicken roast.
Marinate the Chicken
I place 2 lbs chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or dish, pour in the marinade (minus reserved portion), and toss to coat. I refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor in this Asian-inspired chicken.
Prep for Roasting
I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), line a baking sheet with foil, and set a wire rack on top. I arrange the marinated chicken skin-side up on the rack, ensuring space between pieces for this sticky chicken roast.
Roast and Baste
I roast the chicken for 35–40 minutes, flipping and basting with reserved marinade halfway through. For extra caramelization, I broil on high for 2–3 minutes, watching closely. I let the Char Siu Chicken Roast rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 4+ hours
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: ~4 hours 45 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 (1–2 pieces per serving)
- Calories: ~350–400 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 20g carbs, 25g protein, 18g fat, 1g fiber
Variations for Char Siu Chicken Roast
Try these twists on this Asian-inspired chicken dish:
- Spicy Glaze: Add ½ tsp chili flakes, inspired by Layla Cooks’ Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken.
- Citrus Twist: Include 1 tbsp orange zest, inspired by Layla Cooks’ Pomegranate Margarita.
- Pork Swap: Use pork shoulder, inspired by Layla Cooks’ Cucumber Shrimp Salad.
- Grilled Option: Grill over medium heat, basting often, inspired by Layla Cooks’ Easy Korean Cucumber Salad.
- Veggie Boost: Add roasted bell peppers, inspired by Layla Cooks’ Irresistible Peach Salad.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Layla Cooks’ Mango Coconut Smoothie for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve with Layla Cooks’ Protein Pancake Bowls for a hearty brunch.
- Enjoy with Layla Cooks’ Pumpkin Spice Matcha Latte for a cozy meal.
Storage
I store this glazed chicken roast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, I place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the fridge. I reheat in a 350°F oven, covered, for 15 minutes, or broil briefly for crispy skin on this sticky chicken roast.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve Char Siu Chicken Roast on a platter with green onions and sesame seeds for a stunning Asian-inspired chicken dish.
- Garnish: Add cilantro or lime wedges to this glazed chicken roast.
- Pairing: Enjoy with Layla Cooks’ Pomegranate Margarita or jasmine tea.
- Portion Size: 1–2 pieces per person for a satisfying meal.
- Occasions: Perfect for weeknight dinners, festive gatherings, or meal prep.
FAQs About Char Siu Chicken Roast
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless thighs cook faster (25–30 minutes) for a juicy sticky chicken roast.
Is red food coloring necessary?
No, it’s optional for color in this Asian-inspired chicken; skip for a natural look.
What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?
Dry sherry or apple juice with extra soy sauce works for this glazed chicken roast.
Can I grill instead of roasting?
Yes, grill over medium heat, basting often, for a smoky Char Siu Chicken Roast.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy and oyster sauces for a gluten-free sticky chicken roast.
More Chicken Recipes
- Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
- Chicken Cabbage Savory Pirog
- Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo
- Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
- Mexican Pulled Chicken
Conclusion
Char Siu Chicken Roast is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings Chinese barbecue to your kitchen. This Asian-inspired chicken is perfect for any occasion, with its sticky glaze and bold flavors. Whip up this glazed chicken roast, garnish with sesame seeds, and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal at home!
Char Siu Chicken Roast
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs 900g bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp red food coloring optional
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro optional
Instructions
Whisk the Marinade
- In a medium bowl, I whisk 3 tbsp hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp five-spice powder, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp sesame oil, and ½ tsp red food coloring (if using) until smooth. I reserve 2 tbsp marinade for basting this glazed chicken roast.
Marinate the Chicken
- I place 2 lbs chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or dish, pour in the marinade (minus reserved portion), and toss to coat. I refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor in this Asian-inspired chicken.
Prep for Roasting
- I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), line a baking sheet with foil, and set a wire rack on top. I arrange the marinated chicken skin-side up on the rack, ensuring space between pieces for this sticky chicken roast.
Roast and Baste
- I roast the chicken for 35–40 minutes, flipping and basting with reserved marinade halfway through. For extra caramelization, I broil on high for 2–3 minutes, watching closely. I let the Char Siu Chicken Roast rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This recipe can also be made with boneless chicken thighs, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Pair the dish with jasmine rice or steamed greens for a complete meal.
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