Char Siu Chicken Thighs with Sweet-Savory Glaze (Print version)
Juicy oven-roasted char siu chicken thighs with a sticky sweet-savory glaze, caramelized edges, and deep Cantonese-inspired flavor.
# Ingredients:
For the chicken
01 -
2 lb (900 g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, 4 large or 6 small pieces
02 -
1 teaspoon neutral oil, for the rack or pan
For the char siu glaze
03 -
2 pieces red fermented tofu plus 1 tablespoon jar liquid, optional
04 -
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
05 -
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
06 -
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
07 -
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
08 -
2 tablespoons honey
09 -
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
10 -
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
11 -
2 teaspoons grated garlic
12 -
1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
13 -
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
14 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For serving
15 -
Steamed jasmine rice
16 -
Sliced scallions and sesame seeds, optional
17 -
Cucumber slices or steamed greens, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Mash the fermented tofu in a bowl if using it. Whisk in hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, honey, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, five-spice, sesame oil, and black pepper until smooth.
02 -
Transfer about 1/3 cup of the sauce to a small covered bowl and refrigerate it for glazing. Do this before adding any chicken.
03 -
Place the chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Add the remaining sauce and turn to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
04 -
Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and set a lightly oiled rack on top. Arrange the chicken skin-side up with space between the pieces.
05 -
Roast for about 30 minutes, until the chicken is nearly cooked through and the skin looks set. The exact time depends on thigh size.
06 -
Brush the chicken with the reserved clean glaze. Broil for 2-3 minutes, brush again, and broil 1-3 minutes more until sticky, glossy, and lightly charred in spots.
07 -
Check that the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest for 8-10 minutes, then serve with rice, scallions, sesame seeds, and crisp vegetables.
# Good to know:
01 -
Marinate at least 4 hours, overnight preferred.
02 -
Use clean reserved glaze for brushing at the end.
03 -
Broiler strength varies, so watch closely during the final glaze.