01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup later.
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil until well combined. This flavorful mixture will serve as both your marinade and glaze.
03 -
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, making sure to reserve the other half for later. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and massage the marinade into the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
04 -
Cover the remaining marinade and store it in the refrigerator separately. This will be used later to create a delicious glaze for the chicken.
05 -
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This helps the chicken cook more evenly.
06 -
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, shaking off any excess marinade. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
07 -
While the chicken is baking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened into a glossy glaze.
08 -
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and brush generously with the thickened glaze. Switch the oven to broil setting and return the chicken to the oven. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning, until the glaze caramelizes and the edges begin to char slightly.
09 -
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your char siu chicken is tender and succulent. Slice and serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.