Hoisin Chicken
Hoisin Chicken combines tender chicken with vibrant vegetables and a savory hoisin sauce, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. fresh broccoli, cut in 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
- 1 red or green pepper ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can whole button mushrooms
- 1 broiler-fryer chicken, cut into serving size pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cornstarch ⓘ
- 3 cups vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons grated cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons dry sherry
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons soy sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Chop the red or green pepper coarsely.
- Coat chicken pieces with 1/2 cup cornstarch.
- Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a wok over high heat.
- Add chicken pieces to hot oil, cooking 1/3 at a time, until golden and completely cooked, about 5 minutes each batch.
- Drain cooked chicken on paper towels.
- Remove all but 2 tablespoons oil from the wok.
- Stir-fry ginger in the oil over medium heat for 1 minute.
- Add chopped onions and stir-fry over high heat for 1 minute.
- Add broccoli, chopped pepper, and canned mushrooms.
- Stir-fry the mixture for 2 minutes.
- Combine 1 cup water with 3 tablespoons dry sherry, 3 tablespoons cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 4 teaspoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch; add to wok.
- Cook and stir until the mixture is warm and the liquid boils.
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok and stir until the chicken is hot, about 2 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using skinless chicken breast instead of broiler-fryer chicken. You can also substitute the cornstarch with arrowroot powder for a gluten-free option. If you prefer a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the stir-fry. Make sure to chop your vegetables uniformly for even cooking, and don't overcrowd the wok to achieve that perfect sear.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hoisin Chicken over fluffy jasmine rice or alongside steamed rice noodles for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of Egg Drop Soup for a comforting dinner. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. For a colorful plate, consider serving with a fresh Chinese Sesame-Chicken Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Hoisin Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hoisin Chicken contains roughly 419 calories, with 8g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2644mg per serving (115% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option, or use pork or beef if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different meats can require different cooking durations to ensure they are fully cooked.
What can I do if I don't have hoisin sauce?
If you don't have hoisin sauce, you can create a substitute using soy sauce mixed with a bit of peanut butter, honey, and vinegar. This will mimic the sweet and savory flavor profile of hoisin sauce, ensuring your dish still turns out delicious.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the fridge and combine them when ready to stir-fry. This will help maintain the chicken's crispy texture and the freshness of the vegetables.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).