Barbecued Pork Chicken

Enjoy Delicious Barbecued Pork Chicken

Barbecued Pork Chicken, also known as Char Siu Chicken, is a popular dish that hails from Chinese cuisine. This flavorful recipe is loved for its sweet and savory taste. The chicken thighs become juicy and tender as they marinate in a rich sauce that blends multiple delightful flavors. If you want to impress your family or friends, this dish is a perfect choice. Serve it at a gathering, for a weekend dinner, or just to enjoy a comforting meal at home.

In this article, you will learn why making Barbecued Pork Chicken is a great idea. You will also find simple step-by-step instructions on how to prepare it, how to serve and store it, and some handy tips to make your dish even better. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Barbecued Pork Chicken. First, it is easy and does not require advanced cooking skills. The ingredients are simple and readily available at most grocery stores.

Furthermore, this recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store the leftovers for later. This is great for busy weekdays when you want a quick meal without fuss. The sweet flavors from the hoisin sauce and honey combine beautifully with the richness of the chicken thighs, giving you a balanced and appetizing dish.

Another reason to make this recipe is its versatility. You can serve Barbecued Pork Chicken in multiple ways. Enjoy it with steamed rice, in a sandwich, or on top of a salad. This recipe can easily adapt to suit your personal taste, making it a wonderful addition to your cooking repertoire.

How to Make Barbecued Pork Chicken

Making Barbecued Pork Chicken is a fun and rewarding experience. Below, you will find the ingredients and a straightforward guide to preparing this dish.

Ingredients

To prepare Barbecued Pork Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Directions

Follow these easy steps to create your own Barbecued Pork Chicken:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). A properly heated oven helps the chicken cook evenly.

2. Make the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil. Mix well until all ingredients blend together.

3. Prepare the Chicken: Take the chicken thighs and place them in a large resealable plastic bag.

4. Marinate the Chicken: Pour half of the marinade over the chicken in the bag, seal it tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor, marinating overnight is ideal. Make sure to cover and refrigerate the remaining marinade separately.

5. Bring to Room Temperature: After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the chicken to cook more evenly.

6. Prepare for Baking: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will make cleanup easier and prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.

7. Bake the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

8. Prepare the Marinade Glaze: While the chicken is baking, transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens. This will create a delicious glaze for the chicken.

9. Glaze and Broil: After the chicken is cooked through, brush it generously with the thickened marinade. Switch your oven to broil and cook the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning; you want a nice caramelization on the outside.

10. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help keep the juices sealed inside when you slice it. Then, slice the chicken and serve.

11. Enjoy Your Meal: Your homemade Barbecued Pork Chicken is ready to enjoy! Serve it with rice, steamed vegetables, or any side you love.

How to Serve Barbecued Pork Chicken

Barbecued Pork Chicken can be served in many delicious ways. Here are some ideas:

• Over Rice: Serve the chicken slices over a bed of jasmine rice, drizzling some of the reserved glaze on top.
• In a Sandwich: Use the chicken in a sandwich for a delightful lunch. Add some pickled vegetables for added crunch and flavor.
• With Noodles: Toss it with stir-fried noodles and vegetables for a complete meal. The chicken’s flavors will blend beautifully with the noodles.
• On a Salad: Slice the chicken thinly and place it on top of a fresh salad. Add sesame seeds and sliced cucumbers for extra crunch.

How to Store Barbecued Pork Chicken

Storing Barbecued Pork Chicken is simple. If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely.

1. Refrigerate: Place the chicken in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freeze for Later: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag. It can last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.

To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the oven or microwave.

Tips to Make Barbecued Pork Chicken

Here are some handy tips to enhance your cooking experience:

• Use Chicken Thighs: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures the meat stays moist and flavorful compared to chicken breasts, which can dry out easily.
• Marinate Longer: If you have time, let the chicken marinate overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
• Make Extra Sauce: Consider making extra sauce to use as a dipping sauce or drizzle over your side dishes. It will elevate your meal even more.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you like a spicier kick, add a little sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a heat element.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with this recipe! Here are a few variations you can try:

• Spicy Char Siu Chicken: Add chili paste or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy twist.
• Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions into the marinade for added freshness.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with tofu or seitan for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times as necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs.

2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way to check if chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for it to be safe to eat.

3. Can I grill Barbecued Pork Chicken instead of baking?

Absolutely! If you prefer grilling, marinate the chicken as usual and cook on a grill over medium heat until fully cooked. This method will give the chicken a nice smoky flavor.

With these insights and instructions, you’re all set to create your very own Barbecued Pork Chicken! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this delicious dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Barbecued Pork Chicken

A flavorful and versatile dish from Chinese cuisine featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in a rich, sweet-savory sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken and Marinade

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil. Mix well until all ingredients blend together.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag.
4. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken in the bag, seal tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
5. After marinating, bring chicken to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
6. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the marinated chicken thighs on it.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.

Finishing Touch

1. While chicken is baking, transfer the reserved marinade to a saucepan, bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.
2. Brush the thickened marinade generously over the chicken and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. Serve over rice, in a sandwich, or atop a salad as desired.

Notes

Using chicken thighs ensures the meat stays moist. If desired, adjust sweetness with sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, or freeze for 2-3 months.