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.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

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	706.6 grams (706.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1363

Total Fat 67.40g	86%
Saturated Fat 16.30g	82%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 376mg	125%
Sodium 5016mg	218%
Total Carbohydrate 67.50g	25%
Dietary Fiber 2.50g	9%
Total Sugars 53.60g
Protein 103.00g	206%

Vitamin D 28IU	140%
Calcium 174mg	13%
Iron 7mg	38%
Potassium 1567mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.1%

Protein: 32.0%

Carbs: 21.0%