Char Siu Chicken
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
300 grams chicken thighs fatty cuts recommended for extra flavor
For the Marinade:
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce or Kecap Manis for added sweetness
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, pureed or grated
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, pureed or grated
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
Pinch of white pepper
1 teaspoon red food coloring optional, for the classic red Char Siu look
Instructions:
Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl or ziplock bag, combine all marinade ingredientshoney, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, white pepper, and optional red food coloring. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bowl or bag and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator for the best flavor. For maximum flavor, marinate overnight.
Bring to Room Temperature & Preheat Oven: When ready to cook, take the chicken out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 200C 390F.
Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking tray lined with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, with a caramelized, slightly charred surface. Flip halfway if desired for even caramelization.
Rest, Slice & Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to retain juiciness. Slice and serve as a main dish or alongside rice and vegetables for a complete meal.