Do you want an easy and delicious dinner recipe for your family dinner or special gathering? Then, look no further than Chinese BBQ chicken. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the sweet and savoury flavours of Chinese cuisine. With just a few essential ingredients, you can create a mouth-watering dish that your whole family will love.

To make Chinese BBQ chicken, you'll need a few key ingredients, including hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five spice powder. You'll also need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are perfect for absorbing all the delicious flavours of the marinade. Once you've gathered your ingredients, the preparation process is straightforward, and you can have dinner on the table in no time.

One suggestion to make this recipe even more delicious is to add seafood to the dish. Shrimp or scallops are excellent options that complement the sweet and savoury flavours of the marinade. Simply add the seafood to the marinade and let it sit for a few hours before cooking. The result is a flavourful and satisfying meal that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese BBQ chicken is an easy and delicious dinner recipe that's perfect for anyone who loves Chinese cuisine.
• The essential ingredients for this recipe include hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five spice powder.
• Seafood such as shrimp or scallops can be added to the dish to make it even more flavourful and satisfying.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese BBQ chicken, there are a few essential ingredients that you'll need to have on hand. Here are the key components to consider.

Choosing the Right Chicken

The first step in making Chinese BBQ chicken is to choose the right cut of meat. While bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are traditional, you can also use boneless chicken thighs or breasts if you prefer. If you want to add some seafood to the mix, you can try using prawns or scallops as a tasty alternative.

Marinade Must-Haves

The marinade is what gives Chinese BBQ chicken its signature flavour. To make a classic marinade, you'll need hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and Chinese five spice powder. You can also add sesame oil, salt, and pepper to taste. If you want to add some heat, you can include some chilli flakes or hot sauce.

Sauce Selection

To finish off your Chinese BBQ chicken, you'll need to make a sauce to serve alongside it. The most common sauce is char siu sauce, which is made from hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five spice powder. You can also add some garlic and ginger for extra flavour. If you want to switch things up, you can try using a sweet chilli or peanut sauce instead.

Overall, the key to making great Chinese BBQ chicken is to use high-quality ingredients and to marinate the chicken for at least a few hours before cooking. With the right technique and a little bit of patience, you can create a delicious and flavourful dish that will impress your family and friends.

Preparation Guide

Marinating the Chicken

To make Chinese BBQ chicken, you need to marinate the chicken with a mixture of seasoning and sauces. Start by mixing together hoisin sauce, honey, vegetable oil, dark soy sauce, and garlic in a mixing bowl. Then, pat dry the chicken breasts or thighs with a paper towel before adding the seasoning. Place the chicken in an airtight container and pour the marinade over it. Mix well and make sure the chicken is fully coated with the marinade. You can add seafood such as prawns or scallops to the marinade to add a unique flavour to your Chinese BBQ chicken.

Once you have mixed the chicken and the marinade, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will allow the chicken to absorb all the flavours and become tender.

Setting Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C. Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and place it on a wire rack. Place the wire rack on a baking tray and put it in the oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until it is fully cooked.

While the chicken is baking, you can baste it with the leftover marinade every 5-10 minutes. This will add more flavour to the chicken and make it more tender.

Once the chicken is fully cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to settle and make the chicken more flavourful.

Marinating the chicken and setting up the oven are the two key steps to making delicious Chinese BBQ chicken. By following these simple steps, you can create a mouth-watering dish that your family and friends will love.

Cooking Instructions

Baking the Chicken

To bake the char siu chicken, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place the skin-on chicken thighs on the sheet. Bake for 20 minutes.

Basting Technique

While the chicken is baking, prepare the basting sauce. Use a glaze made with hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, Chinese five spice, and a bit of red food coloring to achieve that classic char siu color. After 20 minutes of baking, brush the chicken with the basting sauce and return to the oven for another 10 minutes. Repeat this process for 2-3 times until the chicken is fully coated and the glaze is sticky.

Checking for Doneness

To check if the chicken is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh. The temperature should read 165°F (74°C). If the chicken is not fully cooked, return it to the oven and check again in 5-minute intervals.

For a seafood twist, you can use shrimp or scallops instead of chicken. Simply marinate the seafood in the same char siu sauce for 30 minutes before grilling or broiling until cooked through. Serve the juicy and tender seafood with a side of steamed rice and veggies for a delicious and healthy meal.

Enjoy your baked char siu chicken with crispy skin and a sweet and savoury glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

Chinese BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some suggestions to help you create a delicious meal:

• Steamed rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed rice for a classic Chinese meal. The rice will absorb the delicious flavours of the chicken and make for a filling and satisfying meal.
• Fried rice: If you're looking for a twist on the classic, try serving the chicken with fried rice. The crispy texture of the rice will complement the tender chicken, and the flavours will blend together perfectly.
• Noodles: Chinese BBQ chicken also pairs well with noodles. Whether you choose to serve it with egg noodles or rice noodles, the chicken will add a savoury note to the dish.

Presentation Tips

When it comes to presentation, there are a few tips you can follow to make your dish look as good as it tastes:

• Vegetables: Add some colour to your plate by serving the chicken with a side of stir-fried vegetables. Bok choy is a great option as it is a staple in Chinese cuisine and has a mild flavour that won't overpower the chicken.
• Steamed buns: For a fun twist, try serving the chicken in steamed buns. This is a popular street food in China and will add an element of authenticity to your meal.
• Seafood: If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some seafood to the dish. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition and would complement the flavours of the chicken well.

By following these suggestions, you can create a delicious and visually appealing meal that is sure to impress.

Storing and Reheating

Once you have made your delicious Char Siu chicken, you may have some leftovers. Don't worry, you can store any leftover Char Siu chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's important to make sure that the container is airtight to prevent any moisture from getting in and spoiling the chicken.

When it comes to reheating the chicken, there are a few different methods you can use. One way is to heat it on the stove over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened up a bit when stored, you can add a little water to thin it out, as needed.

Another option is to reheat the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes on a baking sheet. You can also reheat it directly in the microwave for a quick reheat, but be sure to watch it carefully so that it doesn't dry out.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try adding some seafood to the recipe. Shrimp or prawns would be a great addition to the dish. Simply marinate the seafood in the same sauce as the chicken and cook it on skewers alongside the chicken. This will give the dish an extra burst of flavour and make it even more delicious. Just make sure to cook the seafood thoroughly before serving.

To sum it up, storing and reheating Char Siu chicken is easy and straightforward. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your leftovers and even add some seafood to the dish for a tasty twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to keeping BBQ chicken moist during cooking?

The secret to keeping BBQ chicken moist during cooking is to marinate the chicken before cooking. This helps the chicken to absorb the flavours and retain moisture. Additionally, avoid overcooking the chicken as it can lead to dryness.

How can you whip up a quick Chinese BBQ chicken marinade?

You can make a quick Chinese BBQ chicken marinade using staple Chinese pantry ingredients like garlic powder, soy sauce (light & dark), white pepper and rice wine. You can also add in brown sugar, hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, five spice powder, pepper, sesame oil, garlic, and red food coloring (if using). Mix the ingredients together and marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

What are the best cuts of chicken to use for a Chinese BBQ dish?

The best cuts of chicken to use for a Chinese BBQ dish are boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are tender and juicy and absorb the flavours of the marinade well.

Can you suggest a good accompaniment for Chinese BBQ chicken?

A good accompaniment for Chinese BBQ chicken is steamed rice. You can also pair it with stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas. If you like seafood, you can add shrimp or scallops to the stir-fry for a delicious twist.

What's a simple method for making Chinese BBQ chicken in the oven?

A simple method for making Chinese BBQ chicken in the oven is to preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes. Finish the chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the skin is crispy and charred.

What do they call the sauce typically used in Chinese BBQ chicken?

The sauce typically used in Chinese BBQ chicken is called Char Siu sauce. It is a sweet and savory sauce made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, and other ingredients.