Baked Hoisin Chicken

If you’re craving a dish that delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, look no further than this Baked Hoisin Chicken. Featuring tender chicken drumsticks coated in a luscious hoisin-based glaze, this recipe is a weeknight winner that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you’re new to cooking with hoisin sauce or a longtime fan of Asian-inspired dishes, this baked chicken will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

The Upside of Baked Hoisin Chicken

One of the best things about Baked Hoisin Chicken is how effortlessly it comes together. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss. Baking the chicken drumsticks allows the sauce to caramelize beautifully while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside.

Beyond convenience, this recipe is versatile and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even wrapped in a soft flatbread for a quick lunch. The rich umami flavor of hoisin sauce combined with the depth of soy sauce and sesame oil creates a mouthwatering glaze that your whole family will love.

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, you might also enjoy the Instant Pot Firecracker Chicken or the vibrant and colorful Honey Soy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry, both of which bring exciting twists to chicken dishes.

Ingredient Rundown

• 1 1/2 lbs (750g) chicken drumsticks: These provide juicy, flavorful meat with the perfect ratio of skin to meat for crispiness.
• 2 tbsp Hoisin sauce: The star of the dish, hoisin sauce is a thick, fragrant sauce that combines sweetness and saltiness.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a savory depth and balances the sweetness of the hoisin sauce.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A small amount delivers a nutty aroma and richness.
• 3 heavy dashes ground white pepper: Gives a subtle heat that accentuates the flavors without overpowering.

Each ingredient plays an important role in building the unique taste of the Baked Hoisin Chicken. The combination of the hoisin and soy sauces ensures a glossy, sticky coating that clings to each drumstick, while the sesame oil and white pepper add complexity.

Equipment & Tools

• Baking sheet or roasting pan: For even cooking and easy clean-up.
• Mixing bowl: To combine the marinade ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Tongs: To turn the chicken without losing any of that delicious glaze.
• Wire rack (optional): Helps the chicken crisp up all around by allowing air circulation.

Using these simple tools, you can prepare the dish quickly and efficiently. A wire rack is optional but highly recommended if you want an extra crispy skin without frying.

Baked Hoisin Chicken — Do This Next

Step 1: Preheat your oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to caramelize the hoisin sauce and cook the chicken evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ground white pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Coat the chicken

Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss them thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly covered. For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge.

Step 4: Arrange the chicken

Place a wire rack on your baking sheet and arrange the drumsticks on top in a single layer. If you don’t have a wire rack, placing them directly on the sheet is fine, but turn them halfway through cooking.

Step 5: Bake

Pop the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is nicely caramelized and crispy.

Step 6: Rest and serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a juicier bite.

For a full meal, serve the Baked Hoisin Chicken alongside steamed jasmine rice and your favorite stir-fried greens. Or, for a fun twist, try wrapping the chicken in warm flatbreads with some crunchy slaw — reminiscent of the flavors in the Sheet Pan Fajita Chicken Peppers Wraps.

Fit It to Your Goals

• For meal prep: This chicken holds up well for a few days refrigerated, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners.
• Low-carb option: Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli instead of grains.
• Family-friendly: Mild heat from white pepper keeps it approachable for kids and picky eaters.
• Gluten-free adaptation: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep the recipe gluten-free.

No matter your dietary preferences or lifestyle, the Baked Hoisin Chicken is adaptable and satisfying.

What Not to Do

• Don’t skip marinating the chicken. Even a short 20-minute soak allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan; this prevents proper caramelization and can cause soggy skin.
• Don’t undercook the chicken. Using a meat thermometer ensures safe and juicy results.
• Refrain from adding extra oil to the marinade — the sesame oil provides enough richness, and excess oil can cause flare-ups in the oven.

Being mindful of these tips ensures your Baked Hoisin Chicken turns out perfectly every time.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

Leftover Baked Hoisin Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness.

If you want to freeze, wrap the cooled chicken drumsticks tightly in foil or place in freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as above.

For quick meals, shredded leftover chicken can be tossed into stir-fries or salads for added protein and flavor.

Ask the Chef

Can I use other chicken cuts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs or drumettes work well with this marinade and baking method. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce?

While hoisin sauce adds a unique flavor, you can create a simple substitute by mixing soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder. However, the authentic hoisin sauce flavor is hard to beat.

How can I make the skin extra crispy?

Using a wire rack allows air to circulate around the chicken, crisping the skin evenly. Also, pat the drumsticks dry before marinating to reduce excess moisture.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavor, then bake fresh when ready to eat. This makes weekday dinners a breeze.

Our Most-Loved Recipes

• Sheet Pan Fajita Chicken Peppers Wraps — A colorful, flavorful meal that’s just as easy as it is delicious.
• Instant Pot Firecracker Chicken — A spicy, saucy dish perfect for pressure cooker fans.
• Honey Soy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry — A quick, healthy stir-fry packed with veggies and protein.

Save & Share

If you loved this Baked Hoisin Chicken, don’t forget to bookmark it for your next dinner inspiration. Share the recipe with friends and family who appreciate easy, flavorful meals. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to impress.

This dish proves that with just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create an irresistible meal. So pull out your baking sheet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying chicken recipes around. Happy cooking!

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