Hoisin Glazed Chicken Thighs: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Dinner

These Hoisin Glazed Chicken Thighs are the perfect weeknight meal – packed with savory-sweet flavor, incredibly easy to make, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The chicken thighs are coated in a luscious hoisin glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a crispy, sticky, and utterly irresistible dish. Serve them with rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Effortless Elegance:** Despite the impressive flavor, this recipe requires minimal effort and uses readily available ingredients.
* **Flavor Bomb:** The hoisin glaze is a symphony of sweet, savory, and umami flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Perfectly Cooked Chicken:** Chicken thighs are incredibly forgiving and stay juicy and tender even when slightly overcooked, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, from simple steamed rice to roasted vegetables to Asian-inspired noodle salads.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can marinate the chicken thighs ahead of time for even more flavor and a quicker cooking process.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken Thighs:** Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for the best flavor and texture. However, boneless, skinless thighs can also be used, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Hoisin Sauce:** The star of the show! Hoisin sauce is a thick, fragrant sauce made from fermented soybeans, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and spices. It’s readily available in most supermarkets in the Asian foods section.
* **Soy Sauce:** Adds a salty, umami depth to the glaze. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
* **Honey:** Provides sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize. Maple syrup can be substituted for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Rice Vinegar:** Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and richness of the glaze.
* **Sesame Oil:** Enhances the nutty flavor of the dish and adds a pleasant aroma.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic adds a pungent and savory note.
* **Ginger:** Freshly grated ginger adds warmth and spice.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick of heat. Omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
* **Green Onions (for garnish):** Sliced green onions add a fresh, vibrant touch.
* **Sesame Seeds (for garnish):** Adds texture and visual appeal.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Baking Sheet:** A large baking sheet is needed to bake the chicken thighs.
* **Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper (optional):** Lining the baking sheet makes cleanup easier.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For mixing the hoisin glaze.
* **Whisk:** To combine the glaze ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring.
* **Grater or Microplane:** For grating fresh ginger.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For mincing garlic and slicing green onions.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Marinating Time:** 30 minutes (optional, but recommended)
**Cook Time:** 35-40 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour 20 minutes (including marinating)

### 1. Prepare the Hoisin Glaze

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the glaze is smooth.

### 2. Marinate the Chicken (Optional)

Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the hoisin glaze over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for best results. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will become. If you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step and proceed directly to baking.

### 3. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. This will also help prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.

### 4. Arrange the Chicken on the Baking Sheet

Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up. Make sure the chicken thighs are not overcrowded, as this will prevent them from browning properly. If necessary, use two baking sheets.

### 5. Bake the Chicken

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The skin should be crispy and golden brown, and the glaze should be caramelized. To ensure even cooking, you can rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time.

### 6. Baste with Remaining Glaze (Optional)

During the last 10 minutes of cooking, you can baste the chicken with any remaining glaze from the bowl. This will add extra flavor and create an even more glossy and sticky finish. Be careful not to baste too early, as the glaze may burn.

### 7. Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

### 8. Garnish and Serve

Garnish the Hoisin Glazed Chicken Thighs with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.

## Tips for the Best Hoisin Glazed Chicken Thighs

* **Use Good Quality Hoisin Sauce:** The quality of the hoisin sauce will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Look for a brand that has a rich, complex flavor and a smooth consistency.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet:** Overcrowding the baking sheet will steam the chicken instead of allowing it to brown properly. If necessary, use two baking sheets or bake the chicken in batches.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Broil for Extra Crispy Skin (Optional):** For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent it from burning.
* **Adjust the Sweetness and Spice to Your Liking:** If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more honey. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes.

## Serving Suggestions

These Hoisin Glazed Chicken Thighs are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Rice:** Steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice are all excellent choices.
* **Noodles:** Asian-style noodles, such as udon or soba noodles, are a delicious complement to the hoisin glaze.
* **Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or bok choy are all great options.
* **Salad:** A simple Asian-inspired salad with a sesame dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
* **Stir-Fry:** Serve the chicken over a bed of stir-fried vegetables.

## Variations

* **Hoisin Glazed Chicken Drumsticks:** Substitute chicken drumsticks for the thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Hoisin Glazed Chicken Wings:** Use chicken wings for a delicious appetizer. Reduce the cooking time significantly.
* **Hoisin Glazed Salmon:** Salmon fillets can also be glazed with hoisin sauce for a flavorful and healthy meal.
* **Hoisin Glazed Pork Tenderloin:** Pork tenderloin is another great option for a lean and flavorful protein.
* **Spicy Hoisin Glaze:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicier kick.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

* **Marinate the Chicken:** You can marinate the chicken thighs for up to 24 hours in advance.
* **Prepare the Glaze:** The hoisin glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

## Storage Instructions

* **Store:** Leftover Hoisin Glazed Chicken Thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 450
* Protein: 35g
* Fat: 25g
* Carbohydrates: 20g
* Fiber: 1g
* Sugar: 15g

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

## Hoisin Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Marinating time:** 30 minutes (optional)
**Cook time:** 35-40 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
* 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
* 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish

### Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour hoisin glaze over chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
4. Remove chicken thighs from marinade and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Optional: Baste with remaining glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
7. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
8. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Hoisin Glazed Chicken Thighs!