Hoisin Chicken

Hoisin Chicken is a quick and flavorful stir fry that delivers restaurant-quality results in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken pieces are seared and simmered with crisp-tender broccoli in a rich, sticky hoisin sauce, then finished with sesame seeds and green onions for that classic Asian-inspired finish. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner—easy, delicious, and better than takeout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stir fry is bold, savory, and satisfying while being incredibly simple to make. The chicken is juicy and perfectly coated in a glossy hoisin glaze, and the broccoli adds a tender crunch for balance. It’s customizable, reheats beautifully, and comes together in one skillet—making cleanup a breeze. Whether served over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, it’s a go-to meal that’s both nutritious and comforting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• olive oil

• boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs

• salt and pepper

• broccoli florets

• water

• hoisin sauce

• sesame seeds

• sliced green onions

Directions

1. Sear the Chicken: In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned on the outside but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the Broccoli: In the same pan, add the broccoli florets and water. Cover and steam for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green and tender.

3. Combine & Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the hoisin sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and everything is heated through.

4. Garnish & Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Swap: Add snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, or baby corn for variety.

• Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles.

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• Protein Twist: Try shrimp, tofu, or beef strips instead of chicken.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free hoisin sauce and tamari if serving with soy sauce.

• Nutty Flavor: Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the sauce for a Thai-inspired spin.

• Citrus Brightness: Squeeze fresh lime juice over just before serving for brightness.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.

FAQs

What is hoisin sauce?

Hoisin is a thick, sweet, and savory sauce made from soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and spices. It’s commonly used in Chinese cooking as a glaze or stir-fry sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. This dish is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day after the flavors develop.

Is hoisin chicken spicy?

Traditional hoisin sauce is not spicy, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to increase the heat.

What can I serve this with?

Serve over white or brown rice, jasmine rice, noodles, or low-carb cauliflower rice.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Add frozen broccoli directly to the pan and adjust the steaming time by a few minutes longer.

Can I substitute the chicken with tofu?

Absolutely. Press the tofu to remove moisture, cube it, and sear it until golden before adding the sauce.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Hoisin sauce is already thick, but if needed, you can stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use a larger skillet or wok and increase the ingredients proportionally.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes. Add it when returning the chicken to the pan with the sauce—just heat through.

How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?

Sear it quickly, remove it early, and let it finish cooking gently in the sauce to stay juicy.

Conclusion

Hoisin Chicken is a fast and flavorful stir fry that’s as versatile as it is delicious. With tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich hoisin glaze, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep. Serve it hot with your favorite base and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a meal that’s better than your favorite takeout.