Sticky Chinese five spice chicken has become my go-to for busy weeknights. I remember the first time I made this dish; the aroma of the sweet and savory glaze filling my kitchen was incredible, making my mouth water instantly. The chicken thighs, roasted to a perfect crisp, were coated in this beautiful, glossy, Chinese Five Spice sticky glaze that had just the right amount of warmth from the spices. It’s genuinely effortless to get this flavor explosion on your table. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Chinese Five Spice Chicken
This recipe is a weeknight wonder for so many reasons! Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- It’s incredibly easy sticky Chinese Five Spice – minimal prep, maximum flavor.
- The chicken thighs cook up so tender and juicy.
- You get that perfect balance of sweet and sticky Chinese Five Spice with every bite.
- The crispy skin is an absolute dream.
- It requires minimal cleanup, usually just one pan!
- The aroma alone will have your family running to the table.
- It’s versatile and pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.
- This Chinese Five Spice sticky glaze is so addictive!
Ingredients for Authentic Sticky Chinese Five Spice Chicken
To achieve that incredible flavor, you’ll need these simple ingredients. This recipe makes for a fantastic Chinese Five Spice sticky glaze recipe:
- 1.5 kg chicken thighs, bone out, skin on – I find skin-on thighs get wonderfully crispy.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce – provides that essential salty, umami base.
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar – adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tbsp honey – for that signature sticky texture and sweetness.
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce – a key player in the glaze, adding depth and a savory-sweet profile.
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder – this is where the magic happens, giving that unique aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – for a quick hit of garlic flavor without mincing.
- 1/4 tsp ginger powder – complements the five-spice and adds a gentle warmth.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – always season to perfection.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil – for searing the chicken to get that initial crisp.
How to Make Sticky Chinese Five Spice Chicken
Let’s get this deliciousness in the oven! Making this dish is surprisingly straightforward, and the results are always impressive, creating a truly flavorful Chinese Five Spice sticky glaze.
- Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6). This ensures a nice hot oven for searing and roasting.
- Step 2: While the oven heats up, it’s time to create our amazing glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, hoisin sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, garlic powder, and ginger powder. This mixture is your secret weapon for how to make sticky Chinese Five Spice chicken.
- Step 3: Pat your chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting that super crispy skin we all love. Season them generously with salt and black pepper.
- Step 4: Place the dried and seasoned chicken thighs into a large bowl. Pour about half of the glorious sticky Chinese five-spice glaze over the chicken. Toss everything gently with your hands until each piece is evenly coated, essentially creating a flavorful Sticky Chinese Five Spice marinade.
- Step 5: Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet or a sturdy roasting pan over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot before adding the chicken.
- Step 6: Carefully place the chicken thighs into the hot skillet, skin-side down. Let them sear undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is beautifully golden brown and crispy. The sizzle is music to my ears!
- Step 7: Flip the chicken thighs and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes, just to get a nice color on that side too.
- Step 8: Remove the hot skillet from the heat. Now, brush the remaining sticky Chinese five-spice glaze all over the tops of the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re well-covered for maximum flavor and caramelization.
- Step 9: Transfer the skillet carefully into your preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through and the glaze to be beautifully sticky and caramelized.
- Step 10: Once out of the oven, let the sticky Chinese five-spice chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender.
Pro Tips for the Best Sticky Chinese Five Spice Chicken
Want to elevate your sticky chicken game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that guarantee amazing results every time:
- Always pat your chicken thighs completely dry before searing for the crispiest skin.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing; cook in batches if necessary to ensure a good crisp.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking; this is crucial for juicy, tender meat.
- For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the glaze for 30 minutes to an hour before searing.
What’s the secret to perfect Sticky Chinese Five Spice Chicken?
The secret lies in the balance of the glaze ingredients and the searing technique. Getting that perfect Chinese Five Spice sticky glaze comes from a mix of sweet (honey), savory (hoisin, soy), and aromatic (five-spice) components, plus high heat for caramelization. For more on flavor balancing in cooking, you can explore resources on flavor balancing.
Can I make Sticky Chinese Five Spice Chicken ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare the glaze and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately and covered in the refrigerator. Combine and cook when you’re ready to serve for the best texture. This is a great tip for busy cooks, similar to how one might prepare ingredients for hibachi chicken ahead of time.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Sticky Chinese Five Five Spice Chicken?
Avoid overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry. Also, don’t skip patting the chicken dry before searing – this is key for crispy skin. Finally, ensure your oven is fully preheated before roasting.
Best Ways to Serve Sticky Chinese Five Spice Chicken
This incredible chicken deserves some equally delicious companions! For a truly authentic experience, I love serving it with fluffy steamed jasmine rice. The rice soaks up any extra sticky glaze beautifully. Another fantastic pairing is a simple stir-fry of crisp-tender broccoli and bell peppers, adding a fresh crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the tender chicken. If you’re looking for heartier options, consider serving this Sticky Chinese Five Spice for chicken alongside some savory fried rice or even some sweet potato wedges for a delightful sweet and savory combination. For more side dish ideas, check out these dinner recipes.
Nutrition Facts for Sticky Chinese Five Spice Chicken
When enjoying this delightful dish, here’s what you can expect per serving (which is typically one chicken thigh):
- Calories: approximately 600
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Sticky Chinese Five Spice Chicken
Don’t let any of this deliciousness go to waste! Once your sticky Chinese five-spice chicken has cooled down completely, it’s time to think about storage. I usually transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken moist and prevents it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. You can happily keep it stored this way in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is gently in a low oven (around 160°C/325°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to help revive the glaze. This ensures your leftovers retain that wonderful sticky texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sticky Chinese Five Spice Chicken
What’s a good Sticky Chinese Five Spice substitute?
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have Chinese five-spice powder, you can create a decent substitute. Mix ground star anise, cinnamon, cloves, Sichuan peppercorns (if you have them), and fennel seeds. However, for the authentic flavor of this sticky Chinese Five Spice chicken, nothing quite beats the real deal. You can usually find it in the spice aisle of most supermarkets or Asian markets. Learning about Chinese five-spice powder can be very helpful.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
While chicken thighs are my preference for their juiciness and ability to stay moist, you can use chicken breast. Just be extra careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out quickly. Reduce the roasting time by about 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
How do I make the glaze extra sticky?
To achieve an extra sticky glaze, focus on the honey and hoisin sauce ratio. You can also reduce the glaze slightly in a small saucepan after brushing it onto the chicken before it goes into the oven. Just a few minutes of simmering will thicken it up, making it even more wonderfully gooey.
Can I make a vegetarian version using tofu or vegetables?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian option, firm or extra-firm tofu pressed and cubed works wonderfully. You could also use hearty vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes chunks, or broccoli florets. Toss them in the same glaze and roast until tender and slightly caramelized. This makes for a fantastic Chinese Five Spice sticky tofu dish or a flavorful roasted vegetable medley! For more vegetarian inspiration, consider these vegan berry crisp recipes.
Variations of Sticky Chinese Five Spice Chicken You Can Try
While this chicken traybake is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly adaptable! Here are a few ways I love to switch things up:
- For a Pork Lover: Craving pork? Try this glaze on pork tenderloin or pork chops. The Sticky pork with Chinese Five Spice is just as delicious, though cooking times will vary, so keep an eye on it to prevent drying out.
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken for firm tofu or hearty vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or broccoli florets. Toss them generously in the glaze and roast until tender and caramelized. This makes for an amazing Chinese Five Spice sticky tofu experience!
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a swirl of sriracha to the glaze before coating the chicken. It adds a wonderful, warming spice that complements the five-spice beautifully.
- Grill It Up: For a smoky flavor, you can also grill the glazed chicken thighs. Grill over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, basting with extra glaze, until cooked through and nicely charred.
Sticky Chinese Five Spice: Easy, Delicious Flavor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A delicious and easy Sticky Chinese Five-Spice Chicken Traybake recipe perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory glaze made from honey, hoisin, and aromatic Chinese five-spice powder, roasted to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg chicken thighs, bone out, skin on
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ginger powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6).
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, hoisin sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, garlic powder, and ginger powder. This creates your sticky Chinese five-spice glaze.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl. Pour about half of the sticky Chinese five-spice glaze over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet or roasting pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Brush the remaining sticky Chinese five-spice glaze over the chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
- Let the sticky Chinese five-spice chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze.
- Serve with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftover sticky Chinese five-spice chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: approx. 600
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A