Baked Chicken with Hoisin Barbecue Sauce

Sweet, thick hoisin—made from pureed soybeans, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and various spices—makes a great base for a different take on typical tomato-based barbecue sauce. 

Add a bit of honey, and the sauce is even sweeter and thicker. Citrus juice and chili sauce add just the right balance of tart and spicy. This simple, fresh, flavorful barbecue sauce really does a number on the chicken—and it’s a good number, indeed.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup hoisin
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp jarred chili garlic sauce
• sea salt
• 4 whole chicken leg quarters, split into thighs and drumsticks, skin removed

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine the hoisin, orange juice, honey, lime juice, and chili sauce in a small saucepan and bring to a light simmer over medium heat. Cook 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until reduced and slightly thickened. Remove from the heat and let cool 5 minutes.
3. Season the chicken with salt and place on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with half the sauce. Bake 25 minutes.
4. Turn the thighs and drumsticks and brush with the remaining sauce. Bake until cooked through, 20-25 minutes longer, depending on size.

Hoisin Barbecue Sauce

Ready to Bake

Baked Chicken

Remove from the oven and let rest 5 minutes. Transfer to a platter and serve.

Baked Chicken with Hoisin Barbecue Sauce