This Mary Berry hoisin chicken is a wonderfully sticky, savoury dish with a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavours. The chicken turns beautifully tender while the glaze becomes rich and glossy. It is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve to guests. From start to finish, the recipe takes around 45 minutes and is suitable for cooks of all levels.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Hoisin Sauce
- 4 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For Garnish
- 2 spring onions, finely sliced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
How to Make Mary Berry Hoisin Chicken
- Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with kitchen paper and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, mix together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until smooth.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until lightly golden.
- Transfer and coat: Place the chicken into the prepared baking dish and pour the hoisin sauce over the top, turning to coat evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, basting once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is sticky.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with spring onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.

Tips
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Avoid overcooking and baste the chicken during baking to keep it moist and full of flavour.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs work beautifully and tend to be more tender and flavourful.
How do I get a thicker sauce?
Let the sauce bubble in the oven uncovered, or simmer it briefly on the hob after baking.
Can I make it less sweet?
Reduce the honey slightly and add a splash more soy sauce for a deeper savoury flavour.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice
- Pair with stir-fried vegetables
- Add noodles for a complete meal
- Serve with a crisp cucumber salad
Storage
At Room Temperature
Best served fresh, but can sit out for up to 1 hour before refrigerating.
In the Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently until piping hot.
Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I cook this on the hob instead of the oven?
Yes, you can simmer the chicken in the sauce on the hob over medium heat until fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
Is hoisin chicken spicy?
No, it is more sweet and savoury than spicy. You can add chilli flakes if you prefer heat.
Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?
Yes, marinating for 1 to 2 hours will deepen the flavour and make the chicken even more tender.
What vegetables go well with this dish?
Broccoli, peppers, green beans, and pak choi all pair very well with hoisin chicken.
Mary Berry Hoisin Chicken Recipe
Course: Main CourseCuisine: AsianDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutesTender chicken baked in a rich, sticky hoisin sauce with garlic, ginger, and honey. A quick and flavour-packed dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts or thighs
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and black pepper
4 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp sesame oil
Spring onions and sesame seeds
Directions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and grease a baking dish.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Mix hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Sear chicken in oil until lightly golden.
- Place in dish and coat with sauce.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, basting halfway.
- Garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Baste during cooking for extra flavour.
- Use thighs for juicier results.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
