Description
This Chinese Five Spice Chicken features tender, juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of Chinese five spice powder, soy sauce, hoisin, honey, and aromatic garlic and ginger. Baked to perfection, the chicken has crispy skin and a rich, savory-sweet glaze perfect for an easy weeknight Asian-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five spice powder
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (Optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together Chinese five spice powder, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Toss or massage the chicken pieces to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight to maximize flavor infusion.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare for Baking: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken thighs for 35 to 40 minutes until the skin is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra crispy skin, optionally broil the chicken for the last 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm alongside jasmine rice or your favorite vegetables.
Notes
- This chicken pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, steamed vegetables, or stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.
- For crispier skin, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
- You can also cook this chicken on a grill over medium heat for 6–8 minutes per side for a smoky flavor.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
