Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner
Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken is a quick and delicious dinner recipe that’s better than takeout. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the crispy, golden chicken with a sweet and savory glaze. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Slow Cooker Cajun Butter Chicken with Creamy Sauce and Easy Coconut Lime Fish Curry with Jasmine Rice Recipe.
Why This Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Golden, crispy chicken skin
- Sweet and savory glaze
- Quick and easy dinner
- Better than takeout
What You'll Need for Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- chicken drumsticks
- soy sauce
- honey
- garlic
- ginger
- Chinese five-spice powder
- black pepper
- sesame seeds
- Optional: green onions
- Optional: sesame seeds
📝 Ingredient Notes
- chicken drumsticks: You can also use thighs or wings.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Instant-read thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked chicken → See on Amazon
- Non-stick skillet — Prevents chicken from sticking → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner
- Marinate: Mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, and black pepper. Add chicken and coat well. Marinate for 30 minutes.
- Cook: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and crispy, about 15 minutes. Flip occasionally.
- Glaze: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 minced garlic clove. Pour over chicken and cook until glaze thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the chicken. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pro tip: For a faster marinade, use a food processor to blend the ingredients.
- Pro tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Storing & Reheating Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days Make-ahead tip: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead
Freezing Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner
Freeze uncooked chicken for up to 3 months
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use dark soy sauce for a darker color.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken with pork for a classic char siu flavor.
- Make-ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled.
- Troubleshooting: If the glaze is too thick, add a splash of water and cook until it loosens.
Want to level up this recipe?
Food processor — Saves time and effort in marinating → Check price on Amazon
Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken drumsticks
- soy sauce
- honey
- garlic
- ginger
Seasonings
- Chinese five-spice powder
- black pepper
- sesame seeds
Optional Toppings
- green onions
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate: Mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, and black pepper. Add chicken and coat well. Marinate for 30 minutes.
- Cook: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and crispy, about 15 minutes. Flip occasionally.
- Glaze: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 minced garlic clove. Pour over chicken and cook until glaze thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use dark soy sauce for a darker color.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken with pork for a classic char siu flavor.
- Make-ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled.
- Troubleshooting: If the glaze is too thick, add a splash of water and cook until it loosens.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked chicken for up to 3 months
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes
- Make ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sat. Fat: 3g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner FAQs
Yes, marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Cook just before serving.
Overcooking is the most common reason. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Yes, freeze uncooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
Yes, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe 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!
