Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner

Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken is a quick, delicious dinner idea that’s better than takeout. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the crispy, caramelized exterior and tender, juicy chicken inside. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Roasted Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill and Easy Homemade Vegan Salami Recipe for Plant-Based Dinner.

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

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

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp shaoxing wine (optional)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Optional: Green onions, chopped
• Optional: Sesame seeds

How to Make Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, shaoxing wine (if using), sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Mix well.
2. Step 2: Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
3. Step 3: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Season both sides with salt, pepper, five-spice powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Step 4: Place chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
5. Step 5: Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately.

Storing & Reheating Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Cook just before serving.

Freezing Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner

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

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful, as the chicken may become dry.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the skillet during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Best substitution: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more flavorful dish.
• Make-ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Cook just before serving.
• Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more people.
• Troubleshooting: If the marinade becomes too thick, thin it out with a little water or chicken broth before adding the chicken.

Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner

⏱

Prep

10 minutes

🍳

Cook

15 minutes

⏳

Total

25 minutes

🍽

Serves

4 servings

🥗

Diet

Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp shaoxing wine (optional)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger

Seasonings

• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Toppings

• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, shaoxing wine (if using), sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Mix well.
2. Step 2: Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
3. Step 3: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Season both sides with salt, pepper, five-spice powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Step 4: Place chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
5. Step 5: Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the skillet during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Best substitution: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more flavorful dish.
• Make-ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Cook just before serving.
• Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more people.
• Troubleshooting: If the marinade becomes too thick, thin it out with a little water or chicken broth before adding the chicken.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Oven reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful, as the chicken may become dry.
• Make ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Cook just before serving.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 1800mg
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sat. Fat: 2.5g

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

Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken for Dinner FAQs

A Warm Final Note

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