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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Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the marinade.
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.
Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and let any excess liquid drip off. Reserve the marinade for later use.
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface.
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).
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.
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.
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
Calories |
1363 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.4 g | 86% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.3 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 376 mg | 125% | |
| Sodium | 5016 mg | 218% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 67.5 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 53.6 g | ||
| Protein | 103.0 g | 206% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 174 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 6.9 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 1567 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
