Easy Char Siu Chicken Roast: Sweet & Sticky BBQ Chicken Recipe

Craving the rich, savory sweetness of authentic char siu but short on time? This Easy Char Siu Chicken Roast recipe delivers all the incredible flavor of the classic Cantonese BBQ pork, but with the convenience of using readily available chicken. Forget complicated marinades and long braising times; this recipe simplifies the process while maintaining that irresistible glossy, caramelized exterior and tender, juicy interior. We're using readily available pantry staples to create a vibrant, umami-packed sauce that will leave your taste buds singing.

This simplified approach doesn’t compromise on taste; expect a stunningly delicious chicken roast that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a show-stopping weekend meal. Ready to transform your ordinary roast chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process and unlock the secrets of this amazing char siu chicken recipe.

Tools Needed

  • Bowl (or ziploc bag)
  • Saucepan
  • Baking pan
  • Aluminum foil

Ingredients

  • Light soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
  • Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
  • Duck soy sauce (or ketchup manis/sweet soy sauce): 1 tablespoon
  • Honey: 1 tablespoon
  • Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons
  • Five-spice powder: 1 teaspoon
  • White pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tablespoon (equal parts ginger and garlic)
  • Red food coloring: optional
  • Boneless chicken legs (or thighs): 300 grams

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare & Marinate the Chicken

  • In a bowl (or ziploc bag), combine light soy sauce, oyster sauce, duck soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, five-spice powder, white pepper, ginger-garlic paste, and optional red food coloring. Mix well.
  • Add the chicken legs (or thighs) to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken.
  • Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
Prepare the marinade: In a bowl (or ziploc bag), combine light soy sauce, oyster sauce, duck soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, five-spice powder, white pepper, ginger-garlic paste, and optional red food coloring. Mix well.Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken legs (or thighs) to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken.Refrigerate: Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
Prepare & Marinate the Chicken

Step 2. Roast the Chicken

  • Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (approximately 400 Fahrenheit).
  • Line your baking pan with aluminum foil.
  • Place the marinated chicken in the prepared baking pan and roast for 15-20 minutes.
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (approximately 400 Fahrenheit).Prepare baking pan: Line your baking pan with aluminum foil.Roast the chicken: Place the marinated chicken in the prepared baking pan and roast for 15-20 minutes.
Roast the Chicken

Step 3. Make the Char Siu Sauce

  • While the chicken is roasting, heat the leftover marinade in a saucepan over low heat until bubbly and thickened.
Make the char siu sauce: While the chicken is roasting, heat the leftover marinade in a saucepan over low heat until bubbly and thickened.
Make the Char Siu Sauce

Step 4. Serve the Char Siu Chicken

  • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Drizzle with the char siu sauce and serve with rice (optional).
Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Drizzle with the char siu sauce and serve with rice (optional).
Serve the Char Siu Chicken
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Tips

  • Using chicken legs or thighs is recommended as they are more forgiving in the oven and less likely to dry out compared to chicken breasts.
  • Lining the baking pan with aluminum foil will make cleanup easier due to the sticky marinade.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Either works! Bone-in will be slightly more flavorful and juicy, but boneless cooks faster.

2. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes after cooking the chicken to reduce it and thicken it.

3. What can I serve this char siu chicken with?

It's delicious with steamed rice, noodles, or even in a salad! Consider adding some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.


This Easy Char Siu Chicken Roast recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight or weekend meal repertoire. The vibrant sauce and tender chicken will impress your family and friends, leaving everyone wanting more. So, fire up your oven and get ready to experience the deliciousness of this simplified char siu classic!