Mary Berry Hoisin Chicken Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking for a deliciously different dish to add to your weeknight rotation, you absolutely have to try Mary Berry’s hoisin chicken recipe!

It’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that come together in a way that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. With the richness of hoisin sauce and a hint of tang, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the dinner table-whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner. Plus, it’s one of those meals that feels special without needing a lot of effort, making it ideal for busy days when you want something tasty without the stress.

Mary Berry Hoisin Chicken Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken is a delightful fusion of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors. To recreate this dish at home, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that, when combined, create a memorable, comforting meal. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:

1. Chicken Thighs: The main protein in this recipe is skinless, boneless chicken thighs. They are a great choice because they’re tender and juicy, absorbing the hoisin sauce beautifully. While you can use chicken breasts if you prefer, thighs lend more flavor and stay moist during cooking.

2. Hoisin Sauce: This is the star of the dish, providing a rich, sweet-salty base for the marinade. Hoisin sauce is made from soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and sugar, giving it that deliciously complex taste that perfectly complements the chicken.

3. Soy Sauce: Used to balance the sweetness of the hoisin sauce, soy sauce adds a salty umami depth to the dish. Opt for a low-sodium version if you’re looking to control the salt content.

4. Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds a sharp, aromatic punch to the marinade. It complements the sweetness of the hoisin and provides a savory foundation for the dish.

5. Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and a touch of spiciness, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Be sure to grate it finely so that it blends seamlessly into the sauce.

6. Rice Vinegar: This mild vinegar offers a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the hoisin and enhances the overall flavor.

7. Honey or Brown Sugar: A small amount of honey or brown sugar helps to round out the flavor, providing extra sweetness that helps the sauce thicken and caramelize when cooking.

8. Sesame Oil: This aromatic oil is used for sautéing and contributes a lovely nutty flavor that brings out the Asian-inspired essence of the dish.

9. Chopped Spring Onions: These are used both for garnish and a mild, fresh crunch that contrasts with the tender chicken. They also add a pop of color to the dish.

10. Sesame Seeds (optional): These seeds are often sprinkled over the dish just before serving, offering a crunchy texture and a light nutty flavor.

Equipment Needed

To make Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken, you don’t need any specialized equipment, but having the right tools will make the process smoother and more efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Mixing Bowl: For combining the marinade ingredients, you’ll need a medium-sized bowl. It should be large enough to toss the chicken in after it’s coated with the marinade. You can also use a resealable plastic bag to marinate the chicken, but a bowl is typically more convenient.

2. Large Frying Pan or Wok: A wide, heavy-bottomed frying pan or wok is ideal for cooking the chicken. The spacious surface area allows the chicken to cook evenly while getting a slight sear and caramelization from the marinade.

3. Tongs or a Wooden Spoon: Tongs are perfect for flipping and stirring the chicken during cooking, allowing you to maintain control without piercing the meat. A wooden spoon also works for stirring and coating the chicken with the sauce.

4. Grater: To grate the ginger and garlic finely, a box grater or microplane will come in handy. This ensures that both ingredients blend smoothly into the sauce, creating a consistent flavor throughout.

5. Sharp Knife: You’ll need a sharp knife to chop the spring onions and any other garnishes you might want to add, ensuring clean, precise cuts.

6. Serving Platter or Plate: Once the chicken is cooked and garnished, it’s nice to serve it on a large platter to showcase its glossy, vibrant appearance.

7. Spoon or Ladle: If you prefer to drizzle extra sauce over the chicken before serving, a spoon or ladle works best for portioning out the sauce without making a mess.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken

Creating Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken involves marinating the chicken, then cooking it in a sizzling pan to achieve that golden-brown exterior and succulent interior. Follow these steps for a smooth, flavorful outcome:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Start by preparing the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and honey (or brown sugar). Stir until everything is well incorporated. Next, add the chicken thighs to the bowl and ensure they’re thoroughly coated with the marinade. You can either cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or, for deeper flavor, leave it for a few hours or overnight.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken thighs, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. If the marinade starts to burn, lower the heat slightly. You can baste the chicken with some of the sauce as it cooks to intensify the flavor.

3. Simmer the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. In the same pan, pour in any leftover marinade and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become glossy. This step creates a rich, syrupy sauce to coat the chicken later.

4. Serve: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and arrange it on a serving platter. Drizzle the reduced sauce over the chicken, and garnish with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot, ideally with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables to complete the meal.

Expert Tips

1. Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs for More Flavor: While boneless, skinless thighs are convenient and quick, using bone-in thighs will offer a richer flavor. The bone helps lock in moisture, making the chicken even juicier.

2. Let the Chicken Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor penetration, marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight. The longer it sits in the sauce, the more infused with flavor it will become.

3. Balance Sweetness with Vinegar: If the sauce is too sweet for your taste, add a touch more rice vinegar or a small amount of lime juice to bring a refreshing, tart balance.

4. Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the spring onions and sesame seeds. They add not only texture and crunch but also a burst of freshness and color that enhances the overall dish.

5. Make Extra Sauce: The hoisin sauce can sometimes be the highlight of the meal. If you love extra sauce, double the marinade quantity, and use the extra to serve alongside the chicken.

6. Serve with Sides: Pairing the dish with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas will provide a beautiful balance of flavors and textures.

Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that combines the best of Asian-inspired flavors with a home-cooked comfort food feel. The blend of hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a tangy, sweet marinade that infuses the chicken with richness and complexity.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is easy to follow and yields outstanding results. From marinating the chicken to cooking it to perfection, every step is designed to ensure that your meal is both delicious and visually appealing. By following a few expert tips, you can elevate this dish further, adding your personal touch and turning it into a family favorite.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken

Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken recipe is a delicious, savory dish with a touch of sweetness that comes from the hoisin sauce. If you’re looking to mix things up, there are plenty of easy variations you can try while still keeping the core flavors intact.

1. Vegetarian Hoisin ‘Chicken’: For a plant-based twist, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Both of these options soak up flavors really well. Press your tofu to remove excess water, then cut it into cubes or strips. You can marinate it in the same hoisin sauce mixture to mimic the flavor of the original dish.

2. Spicy Hoisin Chicken: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a few chili flakes, a sliced fresh chili, or a spoonful of sriracha to the hoisin sauce. The richness of the hoisin sauce balances beautifully with the heat, creating a flavorful, spicy dish. You can also experiment with a bit of ginger or garlic paste for a bolder taste.

3. Hoisin Chicken Stir-Fry: Instead of baking or roasting the chicken, you could stir-fry it with a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and onions. The hoisin sauce becomes a lovely coating for the vegetables, adding layers of flavor to your stir-fry. Serve over jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.

4. Hoisin Chicken Skewers: A fun alternative, perfect for a BBQ or dinner party, is to skewer the chicken pieces (or tofu) and grill them. Baste the skewers with hoisin sauce while cooking to achieve a beautiful caramelization. Serve with a simple cucumber and coriander salad for a fresh contrast.

5. Hoisin Chicken Salad: For a lighter, fresher variation, add shredded hoisin chicken to a crisp green salad. Top with sliced spring onions, cucumber, and sesame seeds for texture. A simple dressing of soy sauce and rice vinegar can tie it all together, and you can even add some crispy noodles or nuts for a bit of crunch.

6. Hoisin Chicken Wraps: Instead of serving the chicken on a plate, use hoisin-glazed chicken to fill warm flour tortillas or lettuce leaves. Add crunchy vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers, along with fresh herbs like mint or cilantro. Roll up the wraps and serve them with a side of dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Each of these variations keeps the original idea of hoisin chicken at its core but introduces new textures, heat levels, and elements. Whether you prefer a lighter salad or a hearty stir-fry, there’s a variation for every occasion.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

When it comes to storing leftovers, particularly something as flavorful as Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken, there are a few simple yet important practices to ensure the chicken stays fresh and the flavors are preserved:

1. Cool Before Storing: Always allow your hoisin chicken to cool completely before refrigerating. Storing hot food can raise the temperature of your fridge, which can promote bacterial growth. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes, but avoid leaving it out for too long (more than 2 hours) to keep food safety in check.

2. Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to store your leftover hoisin chicken. This will prevent moisture loss and stop odors from contaminating the rest of the food in your fridge. Make sure the container is properly sealed to lock in the flavor.

3. Separate the Sauce: If you’ve got a lot of sauce leftover, it’s best to store it separately from the chicken. This can help prevent the chicken from becoming too soggy. Store both the chicken and the hoisin sauce in their own containers, and when reheating, you can combine them again for the perfect balance of sauce and protein.

4. Label and Date: To avoid confusion, label your containers with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been in the fridge. Typically, leftovers should be eaten within 3 to 4 days to ensure optimal freshness and safety.

5. Freezing Leftovers: If you don’t think you’ll eat the leftovers within a few days, you can freeze hoisin chicken. However, be mindful that freezing can change the texture of the chicken. For the best results, place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, making sure to remove as much air as possible. The hoisin sauce may separate after freezing, but this won’t affect the taste, and a quick stir when reheating will bring everything back together. For the best quality, try to use frozen hoisin chicken within 2 to 3 months.

6. Reheating Tips: When reheating, you can either do it on the stovetop or in the microwave. On the stovetop, heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. In the microwave, use short intervals and stir frequently to ensure the chicken reheats evenly and stays moist.

By following these best practices, you can keep your leftovers tasting fresh and flavorful, extending the life of your delicious hoisin chicken without compromising quality.

What Goes Well With Hoisin Chicken

Hoisin chicken has a rich, sweet, and savory flavor profile, so pairing it with complementary dishes can really elevate the meal. Here are a few options that work wonderfully alongside hoisin chicken:

1. Rice: Whether it’s steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or sticky rice, rice is a classic pairing with hoisin chicken. The fluffy rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, offering a nice balance to the savory and sweet chicken. You could also try fried rice or a simple rice pilaf with vegetables for added texture and flavor.

2. Vegetables: Stir-fried vegetables or steamed greens are a great side dish to complement hoisin chicken. Vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, green beans, or snap peas are ideal choices. Their light, crisp texture and natural sweetness contrast beautifully with the rich hoisin sauce. You could even serve them with a touch of soy sauce or sesame oil for added depth.

3. Noodles: Hoisin chicken goes well with a variety of noodle dishes. Stir-fried noodles with garlic, ginger, and a splash of soy sauce are a perfect match. Alternatively, you could try some cold sesame noodles for a refreshing side dish that balances the warm, savory flavors of the chicken.

4. Crispy Potatoes: For a comforting side, try roasted or crispy potatoes. Their starchy flavor works wonderfully with the sweetness of hoisin sauce. You could even drizzle a little extra hoisin sauce over the potatoes for a unique twist.

5. Cucumber Salad: A tangy cucumber salad with a light vinegar-based dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of hoisin chicken. The cool, crisp cucumbers balance the savory flavors of the dish, while the acidity cuts through the sweetness of the hoisin sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

6. Asian-Inspired Appetizers: Small bites like spring rolls or dumplings pair beautifully with hoisin chicken. The crunchy, often lightly fried texture of spring rolls or the soft, savory dumplings complement the tenderness and richness of the chicken. A light dipping sauce on the side, perhaps with a dash of hoisin sauce or soy, brings everything together.

7. Pickled Vegetables: The acidity and tang of pickled vegetables-like pickled carrots or daikon radish-can provide a sharp contrast to the rich, sweet hoisin chicken. The slight sourness from the pickles works as a perfect palate cleanser.

Pairing Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken with these sides adds variety and balance to your meal, creating a harmonious mix of textures, flavors, and aromas that complement the dish beautifully.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken is a wonderfully versatile dish, offering both sweet and savory flavors that can be enjoyed on their own or adapted into a variety of different meal options. Whether you’re experimenting with recipe variations like spicy hoisin chicken or tofu-based versions, or figuring out how to store leftovers effectively, this dish has endless possibilities to suit your tastes.

When paired with the right sides, like steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a refreshing cucumber salad, hoisin chicken becomes a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful. The best practices for storing leftovers will ensure that you can enjoy the dish again without sacrificing taste, keeping everything fresh for the next day or even freezing it for future enjoyment.

All in all, this recipe is an easy way to bring a delicious Asian-inspired meal to your table, whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at a dinner party with friends and family. With so many variations and ways to pair it with complementary dishes, hoisin chicken can easily become a go-to in your culinary repertoire.

FAQs

What Are The Main Ingredients For Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken Recipe?

The main ingredients for Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken recipe include chicken thighs, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, rice vinegar, and spring onions. You may also use sesame seeds for garnish and serve it with rice or vegetables on the side.

Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead Of Chicken Thighs In Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for chicken thighs, but note that chicken breasts might be drier due to their lower fat content. Chicken thighs are preferred in this recipe for their juiciness and flavor, but both options work.

How Long Does It Take To Prepare Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken?

The preparation time for Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken is approximately 10-15 minutes, while the cooking time is around 25-30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Overall, the dish can be ready in under an hour.

Is Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken Recipe Spicy?

No, Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken is not spicy. The dish is more savory and slightly sweet due to the hoisin sauce and honey. However, if you prefer a bit of heat, you can add a small amount of chili or chili flakes to the sauce.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken In Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. You can marinate the chicken in the hoisin sauce mixture for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

Then, cook it when you’re ready. The flavors tend to deepen after marination.

What Can I Serve With Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken?

Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with noodles or fried rice for a more substantial meal.

Can I Substitute Hoisin Sauce In This Recipe?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can use a combination of soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, and a splash of vinegar as a substitute. However, this will alter the flavor slightly. Alternatively, some stores offer hoisin sauce alternatives, which can be used as well.

Can I Cook Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken On The Grill Instead Of In The Oven?

Yes, you can grill Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken. To do so, brush the marinated chicken with the sauce and cook over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly charred.

Is Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken Suitable For Gluten-free Diets?

The recipe as written is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce. However, you can use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make the dish suitable for gluten-free diets.

What Is The Best Way To Store Leftovers From Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken?

Leftover Mary Berry’s Hoisin Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can microwave the chicken or warm it in the oven, making sure it’s heated through completely before serving.