Name: Chinese BBQ Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tsp brown sugar; 1 1/2 tbsp honey; 1 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 2 tsp oyster sauce; 1 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce (or all purpose soy sauce); 1/2 tsp Chinese five spice powder; 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional); Few drops red food colouring (optional); 750 g (1.5 lb) chicken thigh fillets, skinless and boneless (or chicken breast); 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 10–12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 1 hour (optional); Green onions / scallions, finely sliced (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 6 reviews

I absolutely love this Chinese BBQ Chicken Recipe because it hits all the right notes for me—sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced with just a hint of spice. Whenever I make it, the aroma alone fills the kitchen with such warmth and excitement. The marinade comes together in minutes, yet it infuses the chicken with deep, rich flavors that taste like you ordered it from an authentic Chinese BBQ joint. Trust me, once you get a taste of this tender, juicy chicken, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese BBQ Chicken Recipe

What really excites me about this Chinese BBQ Chicken Recipe is the incredible flavor profile it delivers. There’s a beautiful harmony of honey’s natural sweetness, the boldness of hoisin and oyster sauces, and that subtle yet intriguing kick of Chinese five spice powder. The marinade clings to the chicken so well, creating a glossy, caramelized coating when cooked. Every bite is juicy, tender, and layers of flavors unfold with each chew. I always find myself craving this comforting yet exciting dish long after the meal is over.

Another reason this recipe stands out to me is how easy it is to prepare without sacrificing any authenticity. The ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, and the cooking steps are simple enough for any home cook to follow. Whether I’m hosting a casual weeknight dinner or celebrating a special occasion, this recipe feels versatile and reliably delicious. Plus, the option to skewer the chicken adds a fun touch that makes it perfect for parties or weekend BBQs. I can honestly say it’s become one of my go-to dishes for impressing family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large silver mixing bowl is filled with five pieces of raw meat soaked in a dark brown marinade. The meat is smooth and shiny, coated well by the liquid, which has a slightly thick texture. Near the edge of the bowl, a pair of silver tongs with white tips rests partially inside the marinade. The bowl is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. The image shows close-up detail of the texture of the meat and the glossy liquid. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this recipe are simple yet essential to achieving that classic Chinese BBQ chicken flavor and tender texture. Each plays an important role from balancing sweetness to adding umami richness and that delicate hint of spice and aroma that signature the dish.

2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a pungent, savory base that elevates the marinade tremendously.
2 tsp brown sugar: Brings mellow sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken beautifully during cooking.
1 1/2 tbsp honey: Enhances the glaze with a sticky, natural sweetness and glossy finish.
1 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce: Provides a thick, tangy, and slightly sweet depth essential to the flavor profile.
2 tsp oyster sauce: Packs in rich, savory umami that makes the marinade irresistibly complex.
1 ½ tbsp light soy sauce: Adds saltiness and vibrant color to the chicken’s exterior.
1/2 tsp Chinese five spice powder: Infuses the dish with a warm blend of star anise, cloves, and cinnamon providing signature aromatics.
1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional): Offers a fragrant nuttiness that rounds out the marinade without overpowering.
Few drops red food colouring (optional): Gives the chicken that iconic red hue often seen on Chinese BBQ dishes, purely for presentation.
750 g / 1.5lb chicken thigh fillets, skinless and boneless: The ideal cut for juicy, tender results that absorb marinade flavors perfectly.
1 tbsp vegetable oil: Needed for cooking, ensuring the chicken sears nicely without sticking.
10–12 bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 1 hour, optional): Perfect for threading bite-sized pieces if you want that classic Chinese BBQ presentation.
Green onions/scallions, finely sliced (optional): Adds fresh color and a mild oniony crunch when serving.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the garlic, brown sugar, honey, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, Chinese five spice powder, sesame oil, and optional red food coloring in a ziplock bag or bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are fully blended.

Step 2: Add the chicken thigh fillets to the marinade and ensure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but ideally overnight or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 3 (Optional): If you’d like to serve the chicken on skewers, cut the chicken into bite-size or larger chunks and thread them onto pre-soaked bamboo skewers. Use one skewer per small pieces; for larger pieces, you might want two skewers for extra support.

Step 4: Heat half the vegetable oil in a heavy-based skillet over medium-high heat or preheat your outdoor grill to medium and lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the excess marinade for basting. Place the chicken in the skillet or on the grill in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 4 minutes on one side until nicely seared, then turn.

Step 6: Brush the cooked side of the chicken with the reserved marinade. After 3 minutes, flip the chicken again so the basted side touches the heat, cooking for 1 minute.

Step 7: Baste the chicken once more, then turn again and finish cooking for 45 seconds to 1 minute to develop a delicious sticky glaze.

Step 8: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for about 5 minutes; this helps keep the meat juicy.

Step 9: Serve your Chinese BBQ Chicken garnished with finely sliced green onions or scallions for a fresh, colorful finish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe comfortably serves 4 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small get-together. The prep time is around 10 minutes, though marinating takes 3 to 24 hours depending on your available time. Cooking time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 5-minute resting period. Altogether, you’re looking at approximately 25 minutes of active cooking and prep, plus marinating time, which makes it incredibly efficient for such a flavorful dish.

How to Serve This Chinese BBQ Chicken Recipe

The image shows two grilled skewers with dark brown sauce glazed on the meat, placed on a white marbled surface. The meat pieces have charred edges and a glossy texture from the sauce. Thin green herb strands are scattered lightly over and around the skewers. Behind the skewers, there is a small brush laid down with sauce on its bristles and some sauce spilled next to it in a casual way. The light creates soft shadows, highlighting the texture of the meat and the sauce's shine. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Chinese BBQ Chicken, I love pairing it with fragrant jasmine rice or even a simple fried rice to soak up every bit of the delicious glaze. A side of stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli adds a nice crunchy contrast and keeps the meal balanced. For a more casual vibe, I sometimes serve it alongside a crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil—it adds a refreshing bite that complements the rich chicken.

Presentation matters to me, so I always sprinkle a generous handful of fresh green onions over the top before plating for a pop of color and brightness. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds texture and a subtle nutty flavor. This dish tastes best served warm straight off the stove or grill, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature if you’re making it for a picnic or potluck.

I also love pairing this chicken with a chilled glass of Riesling or a light lager—both cut through the sweetness and keep the palate refreshed. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling iced tea with lemon or a ginger soda is a wonderful match. This recipe is so versatile that I’ve served it during casual weeknights, festive holiday dinners, and even backyard parties, and it never fails to impress.

Variations

Over time, I’ve experimented with customizing this Chinese BBQ Chicken Recipe to suit different preferences and dietary needs. For example, you can swap the chicken thighs for breast meat if you prefer a leaner option, though thighs stay juicier and more flavorful. If you’re in a gluten-free household, just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives—this keeps the taste authentic without any compromise.

If you want to take the flavor profile in a different direction, try adding a splash of fresh orange juice or some grated ginger to the marinade. It introduces a lovely zing that brightens up the dish. For those who enjoy smoky flavors, cooking the chicken over charcoal or using a smoker adds another layer of deliciousness that elevates the experience even further.

For a lighter cooking method, I sometimes bake the marinated chicken in the oven on a high rack to let excess fat drip away while still developing a caramelized crust. Grilling, of course, remains my favorite because it gives that subtle char and smokiness synonymous with Chinese BBQ chicken, but I appreciate the versatility this recipe offers.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the Chinese BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days. I recommend separating the pieces in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. This way, the chicken stays juicy and flavorful, ready to enjoy for a quick meal later.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! To freeze, allow the cooked chicken to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty ziplock bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Properly stored, it will maintain great flavor and texture for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best reheating results, I like to warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or reserved marinade to keep it moist. Avoid overheating in the microwave as it can dry out the meat and make the coating tough. Alternatively, reheating in a moderate oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes with foil on top preserves both the texture and flavor nicely.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this Chinese BBQ Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breast can be used if you prefer leaner meat, but keep in mind it may dry out faster than thighs. To keep it juicy, consider marinating longer and cooking carefully at a slightly lower temperature.

Do I have to use bamboo skewers?

Not at all. Bamboo skewers are optional and mainly for presentation. You can cook chicken pieces whole in a skillet or on a grill without skewering. If you do use skewers, soaking them beforehand prevents burning.

Is red food coloring necessary for the recipe?

No, red food coloring is purely for achieving that classic bright red color seen in many Chinese BBQ dishes. It does not affect the flavor and can be omitted if you prefer a natural look.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

While this recipe centers on chicken, you can try substituting firm tofu or seitan marinated in the same sauce. Just be mindful of cooking times and textures, as they differ from meat but the marinade will still impart great flavor.

What’s the best way to get that sticky glaze on the chicken?

Using the reserved marinade to baste the chicken during cooking achieves that wonderful sticky glaze. Applying it multiple times while turning the chicken builds up layers of flavor and a glossy finish.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Chinese BBQ Chicken Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels both special and comforting. It’s straightforward enough to make any day but impressive enough to bring to the table for guests. From the sweet-savory marinade to the tender, juicy chicken, this recipe has definitely won a place in my heart and kitchen, and I’m sure it will in yours too!