Get ready to fall in love with an unbelievably fragrant and sweet-savory dish that will make your kitchen feel like the best Chinese restaurant in town! Chinese Five Spice Chicken is the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed: juicy, seasoned chicken thighs coated in a sticky, aromatic glaze with notes of star anise, cinnamon, and little pops of ginger. It comes together with just a handful of everyday ingredients and tastes like you spent hours working magic. Whether you’re cooking for the family or trying to impress your friends, this recipe packs enough flavor to turn any meal into a celebration!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These everyday ingredients truly shine when they come together, each playing its unique role in building that signature Chinese Five Spice Chicken flavor. Don’t skip any — every one adds a new layer, from the rich glaze to the deeply spiced aroma!
- Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy, boneless and skinless for easy eating and maximum marinade absorption.
- Chinese Five Spice Powder: The star of the show — brings instant depth and that uniquely bold, aromatic flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a salty punch and rich umami, helping the spices stick to the chicken.
- Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and tangy, it creates a shiny glaze and rounds out the savory notes.
- Honey: Natural sweetness balances out the spices while helping with caramelization.
- Rice Vinegar: Just the right touch of acidity to brighten the whole dish and keep the flavor balanced.
- Sesame Oil: Toasty and nutty, it adds genuine Chinese flavor and a touch of silky texture to the marinade.
- Garlic (minced): Punchy, aromatic, and classic — it elevates the savory side of the marinade.
- Fresh Ginger (grated): Lively heat and a bright, almost citrusy note that lifts the whole dish.
- Ground Black Pepper: Touches up the spice profile without overpowering any key flavors.
- Salt: Essential for making all those layered flavors pop — don’t be tempted to skip it!
- Sliced Green Onions & Sesame Seeds (optional): Perfect for a final flourish of crunch and color on top.
How to Make Chinese Five Spice Chicken
Step 1: Mix Up the Dream Marinade
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and whisking together the Chinese five spice powder, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and salt. This combination is pure magic, instantly releasing those mouthwatering scents and creating a marinade that clings beautifully to the chicken. Don’t be shy — give it a good whisk so everything is well-combined!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Thighs
Add your boneless, skinless chicken thighs right into the bowl with the marinade. Use tongs (or just your hands, if you’re feeling adventurous!) to coat every piece thoroughly on all sides. Cover it up and pop the bowl in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, overnight will give you even bolder, deeper flavors that really soak all the way through.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil — this makes cleanup a breeze and helps your chicken get just the right amount of caramelization, without sticking.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Take the marinated chicken thighs out of the bowl and place them evenly on your lined baking sheet. Pour any extra marinade over the top for extra flavor! Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and starting to caramelize around the edges for that irresistible sticky finish.
Step 5: Broil for Perfection
For gorgeous browning and a little extra caramelized edge, kick your oven up to broil on high for the last 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the chicken — it only takes a minute or two to go from golden to perfect. The marinade will bubble slightly and turn glossy.
Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Let the Chinese Five Spice Chicken rest on the sheet for about 5 minutes so the juices can redistribute. Then, transfer to a platter and shower with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you want to impress. Serve hot, ideally with a bowl of fluffy steamed rice or a pile of stir-fried veggies.
How to Serve Chinese Five Spice Chicken
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate a little extra flair! Sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds are more than just pretty — they add crunch, freshness, and a touch of nutty flavor that make each bite of Chinese Five Spice Chicken even better. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro works beautifully too, especially if you love a pop of green.
Side Dishes
This chicken plays well with a host of sides. Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is the classic move, soaking up all the irresistible juices. For veggies, crisp-tender bok choy, snap peas, or a simple stir-fry of broccoli and peppers are fantastic. Or, get creative with Asian-style noodles tossed with a little sesame oil and soy — you really can’t go wrong!
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t just set the chicken on a plate and call it a day! Try slicing the Chinese Five Spice Chicken and layering it in a rice bowl with pickled veggies and a drizzle of extra marinade for a fun DIY dinner. Or, serve it family style on a big platter, surrounded by citrus wedges and piles of fresh herbs. For parties, skewer pieces of chicken for finger food that everyone will want seconds of.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chinese Five Spice Chicken stores beautifully! Place cooled chicken thighs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will mellow slightly, making the leftovers just as delicious for lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
This dish also freezes well. Simply transfer cooked, cooled chicken into a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment if needed. Freeze for up to 2 months. For the best texture, slice or shred the chicken before freezing so it reheats evenly.
Reheating
To reheat, let frozen chicken thaw in the fridge overnight. Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered, for about 10–12 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave gently in 30-second bursts. Drizzle over a little extra sauce or water to keep it juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in this recipe. Just keep a close eye on the baking time — since breasts cook a little faster, start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark to avoid drying them out.
What if I can’t find Chinese five spice powder?
If your spice aisle is missing the blend, you can make your own at home! Use equal parts ground star anise, cinnamon, fennel seed, cloves, and Szechuan peppercorns (or substitute black pepper if needed). Mix them together and you’re ready for homemade Chinese Five Spice Chicken.
How spicy is Chinese Five Spice Chicken?
The standard recipe isn’t particularly spicy; it’s more savory and aromatic, with gentle warmth from the spices and ginger. Want a kick? Add a big pinch of red chili flakes or a few drops of chili oil to the marinade for extra heat.
Can I grill instead of bake?
Yes, grilling is a fantastic option. Grill marinated chicken thighs over medium heat for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred. The smoky notes from the grill complement the five spice flavors beautifully!
What’s the best way to get the deepest flavor?
The secret is all in the marinating time. If you have the patience, marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge. This gives the five spice, garlic, and ginger a chance to infuse deep into every bite — you’ll taste the difference!
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to get excited about a dish as easy and delicious as Chinese Five Spice Chicken! Whether you’re shaking up your regular dinner routine or looking for a new favorite to share, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Try it soon — I’m certain you’ll want to make it a regular star at your table!
Print
Chinese Five Spice Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chinese Five Spice Chicken recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings a taste of Asia to your table. The aromatic blend of Chinese five spice powder, soy sauce, and honey creates a savory and slightly sweet marinade that perfectly complements tender chicken thighs. Baked to juicy perfection and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish is a surefire winner for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five spice powder
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine Chinese five spice powder, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and salt. Add chicken thighs, coat evenly, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place marinated chicken thighs on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes until cooked through and caramelized. Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra browning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Notes
- You can use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
