Easy Char Siu Chicken Recipe with Sweet Hoisin Glaze
Easy Char Siu Chicken is a quick, better-than-takeout dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. After making this many times, I discovered the trick to crispy, flavorful chicken is a simple marinade and a sweet hoisin glaze. Keep reading for my best tips or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Valentine Ganache Cookies with Raspberry and Chocolate Filling and Easy One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice Dinner.
Why This Easy Char Siu Chicken Recipe with Sweet Hoisin Glaze Is Pure Comfort
- Easy Char Siu Chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- The sweet hoisin glaze adds a rich, savory flavor that's addictive.
- This recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Leftovers reheat well, so you can meal prep for the week.
What You'll Need for Easy Char Siu Chicken Recipe with Sweet Hoisin Glaze
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Hoisin sauce
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Brown sugar
- Cornstarch
- Green onions
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Optional: Sesame seeds
- Optional: Chopped green onions
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: You can also use chicken breasts, but thighs stay juicier.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Meat Thermometer — Ensures chicken is cooked to a safe temperature without overcooking. → See on Amazon
- Non-stick Skillet — Prevents chicken from sticking and ensures even cooking. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Char Siu Chicken Recipe with Sweet Hoisin Glaze
- Marinate the chicken: Combine hoisin, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the glaze: In the same skillet, combine hoisin, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Cook until thickened. Add chicken back in and coat with glaze.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Char Siu Chicken Recipe with Sweet Hoisin Glaze
- 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 chicken, pat it dry before cooking.
- Pro tip: Make a double batch and freeze leftovers for easy meals later.
Storing & Reheating Easy Char Siu Chicken Recipe with Sweet Hoisin Glaze
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Cook and glaze just before serving.
Freezing Easy Char Siu Chicken Recipe with Sweet Hoisin Glaze
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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 1-2 minutes, then crisp under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but thighs stay juicier.
- Make-ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled.
- Troubleshooting: If the glaze isn't thickening, cook it a little longer or add a bit more cornstarch.
Want to level up this recipe?
Instant Pot — Cooks chicken quickly and evenly. Pays for itself vs takeout. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Char Siu Chicken Recipe with Sweet Hoisin Glaze
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Hoisin sauce
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Brown sugar
- Cornstarch
- Green onions
Seasonings
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
Optional Toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Combine hoisin, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the glaze: In the same skillet, combine hoisin, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Cook until thickened. Add chicken back in and coat with glaze.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but thighs stay juicier.
- Make-ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled.
- Troubleshooting: If the glaze isn't thickening, cook it a little longer or add a bit more cornstarch.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then crisp under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.
- Make ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Cook and glaze just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sat. Fat: 2g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Char Siu Chicken Recipe with Sweet Hoisin Glaze FAQs
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Cook and glaze just before serving.
Overcooking is the most common reason for dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) but no more.
Yes, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
A mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and five-spice powder can be used as a substitute.
Yes, this homemade version is crispier, fresher, and you can customize it to your liking.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Char Siu Chicken Recipe with Sweet Hoisin Glaze 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!
