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Chinese BBQ Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 6 reviews

This Chinese BBQ Chicken recipe features tender chicken thigh fillets marinated in a flavorful blend of garlic, honey, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, Chinese five spice, and sesame oil. The chicken is pan-cooked to a perfect caramelized glaze, then rested and garnished with fresh scallions for a deliciously savory and aromatic meal inspired by classic Chinese flavors.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 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)

Chicken

  • 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)

Garnish

  • Green onions / scallions, finely sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Place all marinade ingredients including garlic, brown sugar, honey, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, Chinese five spice powder, sesame oil, and red food coloring (if using) into a ziplock bag or a bowl. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thigh fillets to the marinade and toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for 3 to 24 hours to allow the flavors to fully infuse the chicken.
  3. Skewer the Chicken (Optional): If using skewers, cut the marinated chicken into bite-sized or larger chunks and thread them onto soaked bamboo skewers. Use one skewer for small pieces or two skewers for larger pieces.
  4. Heat the Pan or Grill: Heat half of the vegetable oil in a heavy-based skillet over medium-high heat, or prepare a barbecue or grill to medium heat. If using a grill, brush oil on the grill bars to prevent sticking.
  5. Cook the Chicken (First Side): Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting. Place the chicken in the hot skillet or on the grill in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 4 minutes on one side.
  6. Baste and Flip: Use the reserved marinade to baste the cooked side of the chicken. After basting, cook for an additional 3 minutes, then turn the chicken over so the basted side is now against the heat. Cook for 1 minute on this side.
  7. Baste Again and Continue Cooking: Baste the chicken once more with the marinade, flip again, and cook for another 45 seconds to 1 minute to caramelize the exterior fully.
  8. Rest the Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a juicy result.
  9. Serve: Garnish the chicken with finely sliced green onions or scallions if desired, and serve hot for a delicious traditional Chinese BBQ chicken experience.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken longer (up to 24 hours) will yield more intense flavor and tenderness.
  • If you want the authentic red hue of Chinese BBQ chicken, add a few drops of red food coloring to the marinade, though it’s optional.
  • Using chicken thigh fillets is preferred for juiciness, but chicken breast can be substituted.
  • Soaking bamboo skewers prevents burning if you opt to skewer the chicken before cooking.
  • Cooking in batches prevents the chicken from steaming and ensures a nice sear.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/chinese-bbq-chicken-recipe/