Char Siu Chicken Thighs

Name: Char Siu Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 2 cloves garlic; 2 tbsp dark brown sugar; 1 tbsp maltose; 1 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine; 2 tbsp water; 2 tsp light soy sauce; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp sesame oil; 1/2 tsp five-spice powder; 1/4 tsp white pepper; 5 drops red food coloring

These char siu chicken thighs bring the sweet-savory flavor of Chinese barbecue to an easy oven-roasted dinner. The marinade caramelizes into a glossy glaze, giving the chicken deep color, juicy meat, and lightly charred edges.

Servings4 Portions

Prep Time20 Mins

Cook Time40 Mins

Difficulty

Easy

Ingredients

bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 lb
garlic
2 cloves
dark brown sugar
2 tbsp
maltose
1 tbsp
hoisin sauce
0.5 tbsp
Shaoxing wine
1 tbsp
water
2 tbsp
light soy sauce
2 tsp
salt
1 tsp
sesame oil
0.5 tsp
five-spice powder
0.5 tsp
white pepper
0.3 tsp
red food coloring
5 drops

Step-by-Step Instructions

Trim away any large pieces of excess fat from the chicken thighs. In a large bowl, mix the brown sugar, salt, five-spice powder, white pepper, hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and red food coloring if using.

Add the chicken to the bowl and turn to coat every piece well in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight for the best flavor.

When ready to cook, heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) with a rack in the center. Line a sheet pan with foil and top with parchment paper or nonstick foil. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer, leaving space between them. Reserve the leftover marinade.

Roast the chicken for 30 minutes. Check it halfway through; if the surface is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.

Meanwhile, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan with the water. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the maltose and stir until fully melted and smooth, then remove from the heat.