Delicious Hoisin Baked Chicken Quarters: An Easy & Healthy Weeknight Dinner

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as turning a great deal into a delicious meal, and that’s precisely how this incredible Hoisin Baked Chicken Quarters recipe came to be! Back in the summer of 2016, I was lucky enough to win $500 worth of $5 chicken coupons as a runner-up prize in a contest. While I was aiming for the grand prize of a $10,000 kitchen makeover (a girl can dream, right?), those 100 coupons meant one thing: a summer filled with endless chicken possibilities and culinary experimentation!

From classic comfort foods to exotic new flavors, chicken became the star of our dinner table, and this particular recipe for Hoisin Baked Chicken Quarters quickly rose to the top as a family favorite. It’s a dish that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or complex techniques to create something truly special.

This flavorful chicken dish is renowned for its simplicity and the fact that it relies on common pantry staples. It’s a perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you need a quick, easy, and satisfying meal without compromising on taste. What’s more, it’s also a fantastic Weight Watchers friendly option, making it a guilt-free pleasure you can enjoy any time of the year. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner or a lighter, health-conscious meal, these Hoisin Baked Chicken Quarters deliver on all fronts.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Hoisin Chicken Recipe

This Hoisin Baked Chicken Quarters recipe isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create an explosion of flavor. Originating from a recipe gem I discovered in a Chatelaine magazine in 2007, it has been a steadfast staple in my kitchen ever since. Here’s why it’s a must-try for your dinner rotation:

• Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires minimal effort. The sauce comes together in minutes with just a few stirs, leaving you more time to relax after a long day.
• Incredible Flavor: The combination of hoisin, BBQ, and soy sauce creates a rich, savory, and slightly sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, ensuring every bite is bursting with Asian-inspired deliciousness.
• Pantry-Friendly: All the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, eliminating the need for special grocery runs.
• Weight Watchers Friendly: With simple modifications, this dish can easily fit into your healthy eating plan without sacrificing taste.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: While it’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s also impressive enough to serve guests.
• Economical: Utilizing chicken quarters, which are generally more affordable, makes this a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on quality or flavor.

Chicken can sometimes feel like a high-maintenance protein, demanding marinades, complex cooking methods, or constant attention. But this Hoisin chicken recipe is the exact opposite. It’s designed for convenience, allowing you to whip up a gourmet-tasting meal with a quick, five-ingredient sauce that’s ready in mere moments. If you’re searching for low-maintenance chicken quarter recipes, look no further – this is the one!

Key Ingredients for Hoisin Baked Chicken Quarters

To create this incredibly simple yet profoundly flavorful dish, you’ll need a handful of readily available ingredients. The beauty lies in their combination, creating a sweet and savory sauce that truly elevates the chicken.

• Chicken Quarters (Thigh-Drumstick Pieces): These cuts are fantastic for baking as they stay moist and tender thanks to their higher fat content and bone-in structure. Chicken quarters are also more economical, making this a budget-friendly choice for families. Opt for skin-on if you like, but we’ll remove it for a healthier, Weight Watchers-friendly version.
• Hoisin Sauce: This is the star of our Asian-inspired glaze. Hoisin sauce brings a unique sweet, salty, and tangy flavor profile, often described as Chinese barbecue sauce. Look for a good quality brand, as it makes a significant difference in the final taste.
• BBQ Sauce: Any kind of store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce will work here, adding an extra layer of smoky sweetness and depth. I personally love using my homemade Barbecue Sauce (with ketchup and brown sugar) for an even richer flavor, but your favorite brand will be just as delicious.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic punch that is essential to the sauce. If fresh garlic isn’t available, jarred minced garlic is a convenient substitute, or even garlic powder in a pinch.
• Soya Sauce: This staple provides the necessary umami and saltiness, balancing the sweetness of the hoisin and BBQ sauces. Choose a low-sodium option if you’re mindful of salt intake.
• Fresh Ginger: The pungent and slightly spicy kick of fresh grated ginger is crucial for that authentic Asian flavor. (See my top tip below on how to keep fresh ginger on hand!)
• Garnish (Sesame Seeds and Green Onions): These aren’t just for decoration; they add a wonderful textural contrast and a fresh, bright finish to the dish.
• Black Pepper and Salt: To taste, enhancing all the other wonderful flavors.

*Refer to the printable recipe card below for exact quantities and detailed instructions.

Variations & Substitutions for Hoisin Chicken

While bone-in chicken quarters (chicken legs with thighs attached) are excellent for this recipe, offering a juicy and economical option, this versatile hoisin sauce can be adapted to other cuts of chicken with equally delicious results. This makes it an easy, economical, and delectable meal you can quickly prepare using pantry staples, and it’s also a Weight Watchers-friendly choice!

• Chicken: Instead of chicken quarters, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Adjust baking time accordingly for smaller or boneless cuts (they will cook faster). For bone-in, skin-on pieces, remember to remove the skin as instructed for a healthier option.
• Garlic: If fresh garlic isn’t on hand, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every 3-4 cloves of fresh minced garlic.
• BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different flavored BBQ sauces like a smoky chipotle or a tangy Carolina-style to change up the profile. For a lower-sugar or Weight Watchers friendly option, look for sugar-free BBQ sauces.
• Spice Level: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce mixture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Hoisin Chicken Quarters

Creating these delightful Hoisin Baked Chicken Quarters is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly satisfying meal:

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (218 degrees C). Generously spray a baking dish or a small roasting pan with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the chicken and its sticky sauce from adhering to the pan, making cleanup much easier.

Step 2: Mix the Hoisin Sauce

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, BBQ sauce, soya sauce, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Whisk them all together until the sauce is well-blended and smooth. This creates the rich, savory-sweet glaze that will coat your chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Pat any excess moisture off the chicken quarters using paper towels. This helps the sauce adhere better and allows for a better glaze. If your chicken quarters come with skin, you’ll want to remove it for a healthier, lighter dish and to allow the sauce to fully penetrate the meat. This is easier than it sounds!

Optimal Baking Time & Temperature

Achieving perfectly cooked chicken is key to this recipe’s success. Follow these guidelines for tender, juicy results:

Step 5: Initial Bake

Roast the chicken uncovered in the center of your preheated 425 degrees F (218 degrees C) oven for 20 minutes. This initial high heat helps to start the caramelization process of the sauce.

Step 6: Turn and Continue Baking

After 20 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Using tongs, turn each chicken piece over. Spoon the flavorful pan juices and sauce directly over the chicken to keep it moist and infuse more flavor. Return the pan to the oven.

Continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Periodically spoon the sauce from the baking dish over the chicken every 10 minutes or so. The chicken is done when it feels springy when pressed, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part (without touching bone) reads 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Cooking times may vary slightly based on your oven and the size of the chicken quarters, so using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven. For a beautiful presentation and a burst of fresh flavor, sprinkle generously with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds just before serving. Serve hot and enjoy this easy, delicious meal!

Essential Equipment for This Recipe

To make these Hoisin Baked Chicken Quarters, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:

• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For preparing your ginger, garlic, and trimming chicken.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: To whisk together the delicious hoisin sauce.
• Roasting Pan or 9×13 Baking Dish: A small roaster or a 9×13 inch baking pan (at least 2 inches deep) is ideal for this recipe, providing enough space for the chicken and sauce without overcrowding.
• Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: Essential for ensuring your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Air Fryer Option: For an even quicker cooking time and potentially crispier finish, you can also prepare this recipe in an air fryer. Cook at 390 degrees F (198 degrees C) for approximately 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). (Affiliate links may be present).

Perfect Side Dishes for Hoisin Baked Chicken

This savory Hoisin Baked Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, from simple grains to vibrant salads and roasted vegetables. Here are some of my favorite accompaniments to create a complete and balanced meal:

• Brown Rice or Cauliflower Rice: A classic pairing to soak up all the delicious sauce. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative.
• Healthy Potato Salad
• Healthy Greek Pasta Salad (As shown below, offering a fresh and tangy contrast)
• Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe (The citrus notes would beautifully complement the hoisin)
• Onion Baked Potatoes in Foil (3 Ingredients)
• Chipotle Mashed Potatoes (For a comforting and slightly spicy side)
• Shredded Zucchini and Feta Sauté (A light and flavorful vegetable option)
• Green Beans and Mushrooms (A simple yet elegant vegetable side)
• Steamed or Roasted Broccoli: A simple green vegetable always works well.
• Asian Noodle Salad: A cold noodle salad can provide a refreshing texture and flavor contrast.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

These baked chicken leg quarters are fantastic for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers. Here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigeration: Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, ideally in a single layer, for up to 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for packing lunches or having quick dinners throughout the week.
• Freezing: For longer storage, transfer the cooled chicken quarters (and any leftover sauce) to a sealed freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) until warmed through, or in the microwave. Adding a tablespoon of water or broth to the container before reheating can help keep the chicken moist.

Serving Size and Adjustments

This hoisin chicken legs recipe is designed to yield 6 generous servings. However, its versatility allows you to easily adjust the quantities to suit your needs, whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd. In the recipe card below, you’ll often find an option to click on the serving number (typically marked in blue) to halve, double, or even triple the recipe. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust, taking the guesswork out of scaling up or down.

Weight Watchers Points (WW Points) Information

For those following the Weight Watchers program, this recipe is a fantastic choice, coming in at approximately 8 points on my plan. The naturally lean chicken (once the skin is removed) and the flavorful sauce make it a satisfying option without a high point count. You can further reduce the points and make this dish even lighter by:

• Opting for Lighter BBQ Sauce: Many brands now offer lighter or sugar-free BBQ sauces, which can significantly lower the overall sugar and point count.
• Using Chicken Breast: While quarters are delicious, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are often a zero-point food on many Weight Watchers plans, making them an excellent substitution if you’re aiming for the lowest possible points.

Let’s be real, life is full of high-maintenance situations. And sometimes, just meeting your own daily needs can feel like a full-time job (just try listening to me order coffee sometime, you’ll see what I mean – I’m definitely not a low-maintenance gal!). So, when it comes to dinner, something has to be simple. Let that something be this chicken. If you’re on the hunt for delicious, low-maintenance chicken quarter recipes, this one fits the bill perfectly!

As that memorable June drew to a close and the kids finished up school, I was thrilled to report that I had successfully used up my very last chicken coupons! It was quite impressive how many coupons we managed to redeem, saving our family some serious cash on groceries that year. So, with my freezer stocked full of chicken for the final time, I welcomed summer with open arms and, somewhat surprisingly, bid a fond farewell to our weekend chicken runs. But knowing I can always turn to my easy hoisin baked chicken leg quarters for a comforting and delicious meal in the oven brings me great solace.

💭 Top Tip: Keeping Fresh Ginger Ready

Here’s a fantastic trick to ensure you always have fresh ginger on hand for this recipe and many others: Keep fresh ginger in a freezer bag in your freezer. It lasts for a very long time, maintaining its flavor and texture. When you need some, simply take it out, peel it with a vegetable peeler (it peels easily when frozen!), and grate it directly into your dish. No need to thaw!

🦺 Essential Food Safety Guidelines

When cooking with chicken, always prioritize food safety to ensure a healthy and enjoyable meal:

• Cook to Proper Temperature: Always cook chicken to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Use a reliable meat thermometer to verify.
• Prevent Cross-Contamination: Do not use the same utensils, cutting boards, or dishes on cooked food that previously touched raw meat. Always clean surfaces thoroughly.
• Handwashing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately after handling raw meat.
• Avoid Leaving Food Out: Do not leave cooked food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods (generally no more than 2 hours).
• Supervise Cooking: Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when using an oven or stovetop.
• High Smoke Point Oils: If you were to pan-fry, use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds. (Less relevant for baking, but good general knowledge).
• Ventilation: Always ensure you have good ventilation when using a gas stove to disperse cooking fumes.

If you’re in search of easy and flavorful chicken leg recipes, this Hoisin Baked Chicken Quarters recipe is an economical and delicious option that can be quickly whipped up using common staples from your pantry. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal the whole family will adore!

⭐ Reviews & Feedback

Did you make this delicious recipe? Please RATE THE RECIPE below and share your experience in the comments!

🐔 More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore

If you loved these Hoisin Baked Chicken Quarters, you might enjoy trying some of my other easy and flavorful chicken recipes:

• Orange Hoisin Chicken: A vibrant and zesty twist on the classic Hoisin flavor.
• Baked Chicken Cacciatore: A rustic Italian-American dish with tender chicken in a savory tomato sauce.
• Baked Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes: An elegant and simple dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
• Baked Apricot Chicken (with apricot jam): A wonderfully sweet and tangy chicken recipe with just 5 ingredients.