Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner
Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken is a family favorite, ready in just 30 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to the perfect glaze. Jump to Recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Fresh Strawberry Salsa Stuffed Avocados Recipe and Crispy Baked Chickpea Patties with Fresh Herbs Recipe.
Why This Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy, caramelized glaze
- Better than takeout
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Family favorite
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.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- Optional: Green onions, chopped
- Optional: Sesame seeds
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: Thinly slice for even cooking.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Meat Thermometer — Ensures chicken is cooked to 165°F → See on Amazon
- Non-stick Skillet — Prevents chicken from sticking → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, and white pepper. Mix well.
- Step 2: Add chicken to the bowl, toss to coat. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, reserving the marinade. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Step 4: Pour reserved marinade into the skillet. Cook until the sauce thickens and caramelizes, about 2-3 minutes. Serve over rice and 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 or it will become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Pro tip: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Pro tip: Make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for an easy meal later.
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 cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a faster cooking time, slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally before marinating.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a more flavorful dish.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the marinade up to 24 hours ahead. Add the chicken just before cooking.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce isn't thickening, cook it down longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water).
Want to level up this recipe?
High-Smoke Point Oil — Prevents hot oil from smoking and burning → Check price on Amazon
Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Optional Toppings
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, and white pepper. Mix well.
- Step 2: Add chicken to the bowl, toss to coat. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, reserving the marinade. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Step 4: Pour reserved marinade into the skillet. Cook until the sauce thickens and caramelizes, about 2-3 minutes. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a faster cooking time, slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally before marinating.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a more flavorful dish.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the marinade up to 24 hours ahead. Add the chicken just before cooking.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce isn't thickening, cook it down longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water).
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sat. Fat: 2g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner FAQs
Yes, marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Cook just before serving.
Overcooking is the common mistake. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
Yes, freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Yes, cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with the sauce in the last 2 minutes.
A mixture of soy sauce, honey, and garlic can be used as a substitute.
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!
