Sweet Sticky Chinese Chicken (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Marinade

03 - 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
04 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
05 - 2 tablespoons honey
06 - 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
07 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

→ Garnish

11 - Sliced green onions
12 - Toasted sesame seeds

# Instructions:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice wine, sesame oil, minced garlic, five-spice powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper until well combined.
02 - Place the chicken in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
03 - Remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Save the leftover marinade if you plan to baste during cooking.
04 - If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until you get nice char marks and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
05 - If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through cooking, brush with additional marinade for extra flavor and color.
06 - If pan-searing, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a touch of oil if needed, then cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until caramelized on the outside and completely cooked through.
07 - Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside for more tender meat.
08 - Slice the chicken into strips across the grain. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Char Siu is traditionally a Chinese barbecued pork dish, but this recipe adapts the flavorful marinade for chicken.
02 - For best results, let the chicken marinate overnight to fully absorb all the flavors.
03 - This dish pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or in noodle soups.

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