Japanese Marinated Chicken
Delight your taste buds with Japanese Marinated Chicken, a savory dish bursting with bold flavors and tender, juicy chicken thighs. This recipe combines the umami-rich depth of soy sauce, the delicate sweetness of mirin, and the aromatic warmth of garlic and ginger to create a perfectly balanced marinade. Marinate the chicken for at least two hours—or overnight for maximum flavor infusion—then pan-sear it to golden perfection. A quick reduction of the reserved marinade transforms into a luscious glaze, adding a final touch of indulgence. Garnished with fresh green onions and crunchy toasted sesame seeds, this Japanese-inspired delight pairs beautifully with steamed rice or your favorite sides. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
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Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken thighs (boneless, skin-on recommended)
- 120 ml Soy sauce
- 60 ml Mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 30 ml Sake (optional, for added depth)
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Ginger, grated
- 2 stalks Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil (for cooking)
Directions
Step 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the marinade.
Step 2
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3
Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and let any excess liquid drip off. Reserve the marinade for later use.
Step 4
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface.
Step 5
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on one side until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 6
While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly and ensure it's safe to use as a sauce.
Step 7
Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice into bite-sized pieces if desired.
Step 8
Drizzle the thickened marinade over the chicken, garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately with steamed rice or a side of your choice.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (706.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1363.2 |
| Total Fat 67.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 16.3g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g | |
| Cholesterol 376mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5015.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 67.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 2.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 53.6g | |
| Protein 103.0g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 28IU | 0% |
| Calcium 174.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 6.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1566.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories