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Char Siu Chicken: Sweet, Savory, and Simply Delicious

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Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a versatile recipe that can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared, making it perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe is ideal for beginner cooks, requiring simple ingredients and delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • ¼ cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish
  • Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese rice wine, sesame oil, garlic, five-spice powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. This creates the flavorful marinade that will infuse the chicken with its signature Char Siu taste. Whisking ensures all ingredients are well combined and the marinade is smooth.

  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in a dish or resealable bag. Pour marinade over, ensuring even coating. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. Marinating the chicken allows it to absorb the flavors and become tender. An overnight marinade yields the best results, but even a few hours will make a difference.

Cooking Methods: Choose Your Preferred Method:

  • Grill:
    • Preheat grill to medium-high. A preheated grill ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
    • Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until charred and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Grilling imparts a smoky flavor and char marks, giving the chicken a beautiful appearance.
  • Bake:
    • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). A preheated oven ensures even cooking.
    • Place chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, basting with marinade halfway through. Basting keeps the chicken moist and adds flavor. Baking is a convenient and hands-off method, perfect for busy cooks.
  • Pan-Sear:
    • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. A hot skillet ensures a good sear and caramelization.
    • Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Pan-searing creates a crispy exterior and tender interior, providing a delightful texture contrast.
  1. Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest for a few minutes. Slice, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender chicken. Garnish adds freshness and visual appeal, elevating the presentation of the dish.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for best results.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
  • Baste the chicken with the marinade during cooking.
  • Adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your preference.

Find it online: https://paularecipes.com/char-siu-chicken-sweet-savory-and-simply-delicious/