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Sesame-Glazed Grilled Char Siu Chicken

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This Grilled Char Siu Chicken With Sesame Seeds is a delicious twist on a cherished family recipe. The grilling technique adds a delightful smokiness that enhances the sweet and savory flavors of the marinade.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) five-spice powder
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for traditional color)
  • 2 pounds (900g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice wine or vinegar, brown sugar, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red food coloring (if using) until well combined. This should take about 2 minutes. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened.
  2. Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours for optimal flavor absorption.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F/200°C). You can test the heat by holding your hand about 6 inches above the grill; you should only be able to hold it there for 2-3 seconds.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off (but don’t wipe it away). Discard the leftover marinade to avoid contamination. Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill. Grill for 6-8 minutes, until the skin is crispy and has nice grill marks.
  5. Flip the chicken over and continue grilling for another 7-10 minutes. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), and the juices run clear. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry chicken.
  6. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and flavorful.
  7. While the chicken rests, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown. This enhances their flavor and crunch.
  8. Slice the chicken and sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. This final touch adds a pop of color and flavor, making the dish visually appealing.

Nutrition

Keywords: For maximum flavor, aim for at least 2 hours of marinating time; overnight is even better. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly.

Find it online: https://mamablueberry.com/sesame-glazed-grilled-char-siu-chicken/