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Char Siu Chicken Thighs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 26 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 32 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Description

This Char Siu Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of fermented red bean curds, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Chinese five spice, garlic powder, and sugar. The chicken is either oven-baked or air-fried to achieve a perfect balance of caramelized exterior and succulent interior, providing an authentic taste of Chinese BBQ at home.

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 2 cubes fermented red bean curds (+ 1 tablespoon liquid)
  • 5 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1½ tablespoons Chinese five spice
  • 1½ tablespoons garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons sugar

Main

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mash the fermented red bean curds along with the additional tablespoon of liquid until broken down. Add the hoisin sauce, low sodium soy sauce, Chinese five spice, garlic powder, and sugar to the mashed bean curds. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Reserve slightly more than 1/4 cup of the marinade and refrigerate it for later use. Add the raw chicken thighs to the remaining marinade and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least one hour.
  3. Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: For oven, preheat to 450°F and line a sheet pan with foil, placing a wire rack on top. For air fryer, line the basket with foil.
  4. Cook the Chicken – Oven Method: Place the marinated chicken thighs smooth-side up on the rack in a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes at 450°F.
  5. Flip and Glaze – Oven: Remove the chicken, flip each thigh, then brush with the reserved marinade. Return to the oven and bake another 15 minutes.
  6. Final Flip and Glaze – Oven: Flip the thighs once more, brush again with marinade, then bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Remove, let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  7. Cook the Chicken – Air Fryer Method: Place chicken thighs smooth-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes.
  8. Flip and Glaze – Air Fryer: Flip chicken thighs, brush with reserved marinade, and air fry for another 10 minutes.
  9. Final Flip and Glaze – Air Fryer: Flip and brush again, then air fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Batch Cooking: Repeat air frying in batches if necessary depending on the size of your air fryer basket.

Notes

  • You can choose between baking or air frying depending on your preferred cooking method or equipment availability.
  • Marinating the chicken for longer than 1 hour (up to overnight) will enhance the flavor even more.
  • Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and balance the seasoning.
  • Make sure to brush with the reserved marinade during cooking to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to let juices redistribute for the best texture.

Find it online: https://dishmelt.com/char-siu-chicken-thighs-recipe/