If you’re looking for a dinner that’s equal parts savory, fragrant, and utterly crave-worthy, Chinese Five Spice Chicken is about to steal the spotlight. This dish weaves together a simple marinade bursting with soy, hoisin, honey, ginger, and the unmistakable warmth of Chinese five spice powder, transforming everyday chicken into something truly memorable. Think juicy, golden pieces that fill your kitchen with the most incredible aroma, ready in practically no time — and perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a special gathering with friends.

Chinese Five Spice Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Chinese Five Spice Chicken is how a short, well-chosen list of pantry staples works together to deliver such bold flavors and tempting aromas. Each ingredient is essential: some add umami, others a hint of sweetness, and a couple offer layers of spice and freshness that make every bite pop.

Chicken thighs or breasts (1.5 lbs): Choose boneless, skinless pieces for maximum tenderness and faster marinating.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): The classic umami backbone, infusing the chicken with salty depth.
Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings an irresistible touch of sweetness and complexity.
Honey (1 tablespoon): Helps the chicken caramelize beautifully as it cooks.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a gentle tang that balances the sweetness and rounds out the marinade.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): For a rich, nutty aroma that sings ‘Asian kitchen.’
Chinese five spice powder (2 teaspoons): The star of the show, lending that signature warm, spiced flavor profile.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings pungency and depth to the mix.
Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated fresh): A must-have for freshness and gentle heat.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to add a subtle kick and enhance all the other flavors.
Green onion (1, sliced for garnish): Sprinkled on top for a hit of crisp freshness and vibrant color.
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Nutty and visual flair — they turn your platter into a feast for the eyes.

How to Make Chinese Five Spice Chicken

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, Chinese five spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Spend an extra few seconds to really blend these flavors together — this is where the magic begins, and the Chinese Five Spice Chicken’s rich, alluring taste is born.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add your chicken pieces into the bowl, tossing to coat them thoroughly in every drop of that irresistible marinade. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours if you’ve got the time). This step is your ticket to chicken that’s tender, juicy, and absolutely packed with flavor.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare to Cook

When you’re ready to cook, set your oven to 400°F (200°C), or heat up your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Give your chicken a gentle shake to let excess marinade drip off — you want just enough so it sizzles and caramelizes, not so much that it steams.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Lay the chicken in a single layer on a baking tray, grill, or hot skillet. Let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, turning once, until the pieces develop a gorgeous golden color and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). The honey and five spice create an edible perfume that’s almost impossible to resist.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Garnish

Move the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes — this keeps all the precious juices inside. Slice into strips if you like, and finish with a generous handful of green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Your Chinese Five Spice Chicken is ready to meet its fans.

How to Serve Chinese Five Spice Chicken

Garnishes

A little extra flourish goes a long way. Freshly sliced green onions give that crisp, oniony pop against the warm spices, while sesame seeds add toasty flavor and a pretty visual touch. If you’re feeling fancy, a few sprigs of cilantro or some thinly sliced red chilies are lovely too.

Side Dishes

Chinese Five Spice Chicken loves good company! Try it alongside a mound of fluffy steamed jasmine rice, quick-stirred bok choy, or garlicky noodles. This chicken also shines in a wrap or tucked into a crunchy lettuce cup for something fresh and fast.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice up your chicken and serve it party-style on a platter with little dipping bowls of chili oil, extra hoisin, or soy sauce. For an easy meal prep lunch, package the chicken with rice and steamed veggies in individual containers. Want a salad that’ll impress? Add slices of Five Spice Chicken to a crunchy Asian slaw.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Chinese Five Spice Chicken cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container. It will keep happily in your fridge for up to 4 days, making it ideal for make-ahead lunches or speedy dinners.

Freezing

If you want to prep even further ahead, this chicken freezes beautifully! Wrap pieces tightly in plastic and stash in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for a flavor-packed meal with zero fuss.

Reheating

To keep things juicy, reheat your Chinese Five Spice Chicken gently in a covered skillet over low heat, or in the microwave under a damp paper towel. A quick splash of water or soy sauce will help reawaken the marinade’s bold flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both cuts work perfectly for Chinese Five Spice Chicken, though thighs tend to be slightly juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just watch your cook time and always check for doneness.

Is there a substitute for Chinese five spice powder?

While nothing delivers quite the same depth, you can make a passable blend with equal parts cinnamon, fennel, star anise, clove, and a pinch of black or Szechuan pepper. The store-bought mix, though, is worth seeking out!

Can I grill Chinese Five Spice Chicken instead of baking?

Grilling is a wonderful way to make this recipe! The high heat and open flames add smoky notes that play beautifully with the five spice flavors. Just oil your grates well and watch for caramelization — it happens fast.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

While 30 minutes is enough to impart a lot of flavor, marinating for several hours (up to 8) is even better. The longer soak allows the spices and aromatics to fully infuse into every bite.

Can I make Chinese Five Spice Chicken in advance for meal prep?

Definitely! This recipe was born for meal prep, keeping its tenderness and bold flavor even after a few days in the fridge. Pair with rice or veggies for balanced, tasty grab-and-go meals all week.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Chinese Five Spice Chicken, it’s bound to become one of those go-to recipes you crave and share. With its heady aroma, balanced sweetness, and punchy spices, every bite is a treat. Don’t wait — take this recipe for a spin, and let your kitchen become the new neighborhood favorite!

Chinese Five Spice Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chinese Five Spice Chicken recipe is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the warm spices of Chinese five spice powder with savory soy sauce and sweet honey. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for meal prepping ahead of time.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

1 green onion (sliced for garnish)
sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, Chinese five spice powder, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.