This Chinese Five Spice Chicken recipe is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the warm, spicy notes of Chinese five spice powder with savory soy sauce and honey. Baked to crispy perfection, it’s a perfect main course for any day of the week.
Author:nadia
Prep Time:10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes (active time)
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Chinese-Inspired
Diet:Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Marinade:
2pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons Chinese five spice powder
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, Chinese five spice powder, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Bake the Chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange marinated chicken on the rack, skin-side up, and bake for 35–40 minutes until crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Garnish: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice or vegetables.
Notes
You can also grill the chicken over medium heat for about 6–7 minutes per side.
This marinade works well with boneless chicken breasts or thighs—adjust cooking time accordingly.