You’ll never have to order takeout again with this delicious and easy recipe for Hoisin Chicken at home!
As much as I love to cook (and write about cooking) there are some things only a good takeout can fix. Whether it’s a Friday night spent binge-watching your new favorite show, coping with a breakup and craving salty comfort food with your girlfriends, or needing a quick meal after a long day when cooking feels overwhelming—that last one is where takeout usually finds me.
My favorite to-go meal is from this little Cantonese restaurant down the street from my apartment. It has these red paper lanterns hung in rows across the ceiling, candlelit tables that surround a large fish tank in the center of the room, and the best hoisin chicken and noodles you’ve ever had. When I’ve had a long week, a hard day, or I’m just way too lazy to head into the kitchen, I know exactly where to go.
Hoisin chicken is a common Cantonese dish that features a sweet and savory glaze not unlike barbeque sauce. It’s a delicious staple that I sometimes wish I could eat every day… and now I feel like I can! I think I’ve finally nailed the perfect hoisin chicken recipe, and luckily, it only takes about half an hour to make, so I’m not digging too much into my lazy schedule!
This hoisin chicken recipe is low-effort, only needs a few staple ingredients, and tastes just as good as your favorite Cantonese restaurant. It’s sweet, sticky, just a little bit tangy, and sooo delicious!
Is Hoisin Chicken Healthy?
This recipe for hoisin chicken is a great low-calorie meal for those trying to eat healthily. The chicken cooks in a little bit of olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite hoisin sauce, and doesn’t include the high-carb breading that similar recipes may call for. Plus, this recipe calls for broccoli to get your veggie intake in! You can also opt to make your own hoisin sauce if you want more control over the ingredients of this dish.
Lost In The Sauce
The signature ingredient of this popular Cantonese dish is the sauce. Hoisin sauce is traditionally made up of fermented soybeans, sugar, and various spices, and the result is similar to a thicker, richer version of soy sauce. Hoisin is often described as an Asian take on barbeque sauce, and I can’t say I disagree. Although, I think I prefer hoisin! It’s packed with flavor that takes you on a journey through sweet, spicy, tangy, salty, and savory senses, and it truly makes this hoisin chicken dish what it is.
How to make ahead and store
After cooking, you can store your leftover hoisin chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave, air fryer, or back in the skillet for a few minutes or until warmed through. You can also freeze your cooked hoisin chicken for up to 3 months, or freeze the uncooked hoisin-marinated chicken for up to 6 months.
Serving Suggestions
Traditionally, hoisin chicken is served on a bed of white, brown, or fried rice, or with noodles. You can also enjoy your hoisin chicken with vegetables, or a side soup or salad.
However, hoisin chicken, in my opinion, is best served family-style! I love ordering big feasts of Cantonese food and trying a little bit of everything, so when I cook this dish myself, it’s no different. Your fakeaway spread can include Chinese Chicken Wings, a Pepper Steak Stir-Fry, and of course, lots of Egg Rolls!
For dessert, don’t forget to finish off your feast with a sweet Asian-inspired treat like Mango Sago.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup hoisin sauce
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink in the center.
- Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in the hoisin sauce and cook until the chicken and broccoli is heated through and the sauce has thickened. Serve hot.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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