Sweet and Savory Chinese BBQ Chicken is a delicious dish that combines the richness of Chinese BBQ flavors with a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. Here’s a recipe to make it at home:
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine or Shaoxing wine
- 1 tbsp sugar (or honey for a sweeter version)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp Chinese barbecue sauce (Char Siu sauce)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
For Glaze:
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional for a little tang)
- 1 tsp Chinese BBQ sauce (Char Siu sauce)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, sugar, garlic, five-spice powder, ginger, Chinese BBQ sauce, and sesame oil.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and seal or cover it. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight in the refrigerator) for the best flavor.
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Preheat the Grill or Oven:
- If using a grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 375°F/190°C).
- If using an oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
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Grill or Bake the Chicken:
- Grill: Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserving the marinade for basting). Grill the chicken on medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). During grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- Oven: Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you’re looking for a charred look, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
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Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Chinese BBQ sauce. Heat over low heat, stirring, until it forms a thick glaze (about 3-4 minutes).
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Finish the Chicken:
- Brush the glaze onto the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling or baking. This will give it a nice shiny, caramelized finish.
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Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked and glazed, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Tips:
- Side Dishes: Serve with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or pickled cucumbers for a complete meal.
- Char Siu Sauce: If you can’t find Chinese BBQ (Char Siu) sauce, you can make your own or use a pre-made marinade, but the flavors won’t be quite the same.
- Cooking Option: For a more smoky flavor, you can also cook the chicken over a charcoal grill.
Enjoy your Sweet and Savory Chinese BBQ Chicken! Let me know if you need more help with anything!
