Char Siu Chicken Recipe

Char Siu Chicken is a delicious twist on the traditional Char Siu, a Cantonese-style barbecue pork that is beloved worldwide for its sweet and savory glaze and tender texture. This recipe adapts the classic flavors for chicken, creating a dish that is equally succulent and packed with the aromatic spices and seasonings that make Asian cuisine so irresistible. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, this Char Siu Chicken recipe promises to bring a piece of authentic Asian flavor to your dining table.

Ingredients:

• 300 grams Chicken Thigh (fatty ones are preferred for more flavor and juiciness)
• For the Marinade:
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 1 tablespoon Light Soy Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dark Soy Sauce (or Kecap Manis for a sweeter profile)
  • 2 tablespoon Brown Sugar
  • 2 cloves Garlic, pureed or grated
  • 1 inch Ginger, pureed or grated
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese Five Spice powder
  • Pinch of White Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Red Food Coloring (optional, for that authentic Char Siu look)

Preparation:

Step 1: Begin by preparing the marinade. In a bowl or ziplock bag, combine the honey, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (or Kecap Manis), brown sugar, pureed garlic, pureed ginger, Chinese Five Spice powder, and a pinch of white pepper. If you're aiming for the characteristic red hue of traditional Char Siu, add the red food coloring.

Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate, allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is ideal for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 3: When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to take the chill off. This step ensures more even cooking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (390 degrees Fahrenheit).

Step 4: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking tray, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking. Place the tray in the preheated oven.

Step 5: Bake the chicken for approximately 20 minutes, or until it is thoroughly cooked through and the juices run clear. The exact time may vary based on your oven and the size of the chicken thighs.

Step 6: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that your Char Siu Chicken will be moist and flavorful when sliced.

Serving Suggestions:

Slice the rested Char Siu Chicken and serve it as a main course with a side of steamed rice and vegetables, or use it to fill steamed bao buns for a delicious twist on a classic sandwich. It's also perfect as part of a larger Asian-themed feast, accompanied by dishes like stir-fried noodles, dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad.

Tips:

• For an extra glossy finish, baste the chicken with a little extra honey mixed with soy sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
• Broiling for the last few minutes can add a charred texture similar to traditional barbecue.
• Experiment with the marinade by adjusting the sweetness or saltiness to your taste.

Nutritional Information:

This dish, while flavorful, is relatively moderate in calories, with chicken thighs providing a good balance of protein and fat. The exact nutritional content will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes, but here's an estimate for one serving based on the ingredients listed:

• Calories: Approximately 300-400 calories
• Protein: Around 20-25 grams
• Sodium: Due to the soy sauce and oyster sauce, it can be high in sodium; consider low-sodium versions if monitoring intake.

Char Siu Chicken brings the beloved flavors of Cantonese barbecue into an easy-to-make home recipe. With its rich, caramelized glaze and tender, flavorful meat, this dish is sure to become a regular in your culinary repertoire. Whether served for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, Char Siu Chicken promises a delightful dining experience that will leave you and your guests craving more.