Super Easy Hoisin Chicken

Prep: 120 min Cuisine: Chinese

Juicy chicken breasts or thighs are soaked in a savory hoisin and soy sauce mixture, creating a flavorful dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup shoyu sauce
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 heaping tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 5 pounds boned chicken breasts or thighs

Instructions

  1. Combine shoyu sauce, sugar, water, and hoisin sauce in a bowl.
  2. Soak chicken breasts or thighs in the mixture for 2 hours or overnight.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If you don't have shoyu sauce, soy sauce can be used as a substitute, though it may alter the taste slightly. Consider adding minced garlic or ginger to the marinade for extra depth. You can also use boneless skinless thighs for a juicier result. This dish pairs wonderfully with Stir-Fried Broccoli Slices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the hoisin chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. It also pairs nicely with steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or snap peas. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside stir-fried rice or a light salad. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests with easy chicken recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover hoisin chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Cover with a lid to ensure even heating. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be cautious not to overcook.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Super Easy Hoisin Chicken contains roughly 196 calories, with 17g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1364mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).

196 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.7g 33% DV
Total Fat 6.3g 8% DV
Carbs 18.9g 7% DV
Fiber 2.6g 9% DV
Sugar 4.2g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1363.8mg 59% DV
Potassium 366.6mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 38.9mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.4mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 16.4mg 18% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 32.7mg 3% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit High-protein Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 other types of chicken?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in pieces may require longer marinating to absorb the flavors fully. You could also try this recipe with pork if you're looking for a different protein option.

How can I make it spicier?

To add some heat to the dish, consider including sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha in the marinade. You can also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce on the side. This will enhance the flavor profile and give it a delightful kick.

What can I serve with this dish?

This hoisin chicken goes well with many sides. You might want to try it with stir-fried vegetables or a simple green salad. For a heartier option, serve it alongside Chicken-Rice Oriental or noodles for a complete meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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).

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