Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner
Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken is a quick dinner solution. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the crispy, golden chicken with a sweet and savory glaze. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Classic Split Pea Soup and Easy Overnight Oats with Kiwi and Chia Seeds.
Why This Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Golden, crispy chicken skin
- Sweet and savory glaze
- Better than takeout taste
- Quick and easy weeknight dinner
What You'll Need for Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken 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
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Optional: Green onions, chopped
- Optional: Sesame seeds
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs have the best flavor and texture.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- High-quality skillet — Even searing for crispy skin → See on Amazon
- Meat thermometer — Prevents overcooking → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin, honey, garlic, ginger, five-spice, white pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Step 3: Add chicken to the bowl, coat evenly with the marinade. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, skin-side down. Cook until skin is crispy and golden, about 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Flip chicken, spoon marinade over it. Transfer skillet to the oven. Bake until chicken is cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Step 6: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pro tip: For extra crispy skin, pat chicken dry before cooking.
- Pro tip: Make extra glaze to drizzle over rice or noodles.
Storing & Reheating Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
Freezing Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner
Freeze uncooked, marinated chicken for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or serve with chili oil.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks for more crispy skin.
- Make-ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the glaze is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality wok or skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect charring → Check price on Amazon
Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
Seasonings
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Optional Toppings
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin, honey, garlic, ginger, five-spice, white pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Step 3: Add chicken to the bowl, coat evenly with the marinade. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, skin-side down. Cook until skin is crispy and golden, about 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Flip chicken, spoon marinade over it. Transfer skillet to the oven. Bake until chicken is cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Step 6: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or serve with chili oil.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks for more crispy skin.
- Make-ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the glaze is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked, marinated chicken for up to 2 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- Make ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sat. Fat: 8g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner FAQs
Yes, but the texture and flavor won't be as good as bone-in, skin-on thighs.
Overcooking is the most common reason. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Yes, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Yes, but searing adds extra flavor and crispiness.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes for the best texture.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken 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!
