If you have a craving for something irresistibly savory, sticky, and packed with bold flavors, you are going to love this Oven Baked Char Siu Chicken (Chinese BBQ Style). This dish captures the magic of traditional Chinese BBQ in a way that’s incredibly simple and convenient, using an oven instead of a grill and a quick marinade that transforms everyday chicken thighs into a spectacularly aromatic feast. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve to friends and family. The bright red glaze, the garlicky, honeyed sweetness balanced with savory soy and five-spice notes—once you make this recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to comfort foods in a heartbeat.

Oven Baked Char Siu Chicken (Chinese BBQ Style) - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your ingredients right sets the foundation for the best Oven Baked Char Siu Chicken (Chinese BBQ Style). Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the tender chicken thighs that soak up the flavors to the colorful, fragrant spices and sauces that create that classic Chinese BBQ charm.

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing the marinade’s complexity.
1 tablespoon avocado oil: Adds a neutral, healthy fat for cooking without overpowering the flavors.
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: This thick, sweet, and tangy sauce builds the base of the marinade’s rich flavor.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides saltiness and deep umami, essential for that true char siu taste.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a luscious, savory boost that rounds out the marinade beautifully.
1 tablespoon honey: Natural sweetness that caramelizes during baking, creating that sticky BBQ finish.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps develop color during cooking.
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder: The quintessential spice blend that gives char siu its unique, aromatic character.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds a punch of flavor that complements the sweet and savory sauces perfectly.
½ teaspoon red food coloring (optional): For that authentic bright red appearance associated with classic char siu.

How to Make Oven Baked Char Siu Chicken (Chinese BBQ Style)

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Begin by whisking together all the marinade ingredients in a small bowl—hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, brown sugar, Chinese five-spice, garlic, and the optional red food coloring. This mixture is where all the magic happens, combining sweet, salty, umami, and warm spices into the perfect flavor bomb.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Lightly oil a baking tray and arrange your clean chicken thighs on it. Brush the marinade generously over both sides of each piece so all surfaces are coated. Cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least one hour, but if you can go overnight, the deeper the flavors will soak in—totally worth the wait!

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing again with any remaining marinade. This keeps the chicken moist and builds up layers of glossy, sticky sauce.

Step 4: Optional Broil for Finish

For that authentic charred edge, broil the chicken under high heat for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning—the goal is a lightly caramelized, sticky glaze that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Chinese BBQ spot.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This juicy rest time allows the meat fibers to relax, locking in all the delicious juices. Then slice it up and get ready to serve!

How to Serve Oven Baked Char Siu Chicken (Chinese BBQ Style)

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds add freshness and a little nutty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the sticky sweet chicken. A few sprigs of cilantro or a wedge of lime can also brighten things up beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Oven Baked Char Siu Chicken is fantastic over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice to soak up every bit of that flavorful sauce. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried veggies or noodles for a more complete, comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to get creative? Serve the char siu chicken wrapped in lettuce cups with a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a fun, finger-friendly dish. Or slice it thinly and toss it into an Asian-inspired salad with crunchy cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing for a light yet satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked char siu chicken as well. Just let it cool completely, then pack it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain its best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave it covered with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the tender meat.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can, but chicken thighs are preferred because they stay juicier and absorb flavors better. Breasts can dry out faster, especially with high-heat baking.

Do I need the red food coloring?

The red food coloring is entirely optional and only affects the color, not the taste. Traditional char siu often has a bright red hue, but the flavor is just as delicious without it.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least one hour is necessary to get good flavor penetration, but overnight marinating will produce the most tender and flavorful results.

Can I grill this instead of baking?

Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky char that many love. Use indirect heat to avoid burning the sugars in the marinade and baste frequently for a sticky finish.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, this Oven Baked Char Siu Chicken (Chinese BBQ Style) is not spicy by default. If you want to add heat, you can include a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade or serve with spicy dipping sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Oven Baked Char Siu Chicken (Chinese BBQ Style) is a bright star in my recipe rotation—so simple yet so full of layered, enticing flavors that feel like a special treat any night of the week. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it as comforting and delicious as I do. Once you do, I have no doubt it will become your new favorite way to enjoy Chinese BBQ chicken at home.

Oven Baked Char Siu Chicken (Chinese BBQ Style)