Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken

Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to crispy, sticky chicken every time. The sweet and savory glaze makes this dish better than takeout. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Maple Bacon Pork Chops with Creamy Dijon Sauce Recipe and Iced Blue Tea Latte Recipe with Vanilla Cold Foam.

Crispy Sticky Char Siu Chicken on a plate
💛

Why This Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner Is Pure Comfort

  • Crispy skin with a sticky, sweet glaze
  • Ready in just 30 minutes
  • Better than takeout taste at home
  • Easy cleanup with one pan

What You'll Need for Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp shaoxing wine (optional)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp five-spice powder
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Optional: Green onions, chopped
  • Optional: Sesame seeds
Raw ingredients for Sticky Char Siu Chicken on a marble surface

📝 Ingredient Notes

  • Shaoxing wine: Substitute with dry sherry or omit if not available.

🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend

  • Stainless Steel Skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect searing. → See on Amazon
  • Digital Meat Thermometer — Ensures chicken is cooked to a safe temperature. → See on Amazon
Plated Sticky Char Siu Chicken with green onions

How to Make Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, shaoxing wine (if using), cornstarch, five-spice powder, white pepper, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt.
  3. Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs, skin-side down. Cook until skin is crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, coating both sides. Cook until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 more minutes.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!
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Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner

  • Common mistake and fix: Overcooking can make the chicken dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Pro tip: For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.
  • Pro tip: Make a double batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispy skin.

Storing & Reheating Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the sauce up to 2 days ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to use.

Freezing Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then crisp up in the oven or air fryer.

Recipe Notes

  • Chef tip: For a spicy version, add 1-2 tbsp of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the glaze.
  • Best substitution: Substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Make-ahead: Prepare the chicken and sauce separately. Cook the chicken, then add the sauce and heat through before serving.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more people.
  • Troubleshooting: If the sauce isn't thickening, cook it longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water) to the skillet.

Want to level up this recipe?

High-Smoke Point Oil — Prevents hot oil from smoking and burning, ensuring crispy skin. → Check price on Amazon

Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Plated Sticky Char Siu Chicken with green onions
Prep
10 mins
🍳
Cook
20 mins
Total
30 mins
🍽
Serves
4 servings
🥗
Diet
Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp shaoxing wine (optional)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp five-spice powder
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Optional Toppings

  • Green onions, chopped
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, shaoxing wine (if using), cornstarch, five-spice powder, white pepper, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt.
  3. Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs, skin-side down. Cook until skin is crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, coating both sides. Cook until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 more minutes.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Chef tip: For a spicy version, add 1-2 tbsp of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the glaze.
  • Best substitution: Substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Make-ahead: Prepare the chicken and sauce separately. Cook the chicken, then add the sauce and heat through before serving.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more people.
  • Troubleshooting: If the sauce isn't thickening, cook it longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water) to the skillet.

Storage

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
  • Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then crisp up in the oven or air fryer.
  • Make ahead: Prepare the sauce up to 2 days ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to use.

Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbs: 15g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
  • Sat. Fat: 4.5g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner FAQs

Why is my chicken dry?

Overcooking can make the chicken dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, then brush with the sauce and broil for 2-3 minutes.

What can I serve with this?

Steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables or a crisp salad would pair well with this dish.

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

How can I make this spicy?

Add 1-2 tbsp of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the glaze for a spicy version.

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe 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!

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