Discover the savory world of Japanese chicken recipes! From classic dishes to modern twists, Japanese cuisine has a way of elevating the humble chicken to new heights. With its emphasis on fresh ingredients and bold flavors, Japanese cooking offers endless possibilities for creative and delicious meals. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 20 mouth-watering Japanese chicken recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds.
From tender teriyaki chicken to crispy karaage fried chicken, these authentic recipes showcase the best of Japan’s poultry scene. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for inspiration, these flavorful and easy-to-follow recipes will have you cooking like a pro in no time.
Teriyaki Chicken
Experience the sweet and savory flavors of Japan with this classic Teriyaki Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breast is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar, then grilled to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Fresh green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and garlic.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and brush with sesame oil.
5. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Yakitori Grilled Chicken Skewers
Experience the flavors of Japan with these savory and slightly sweet yakitori-style grilled chicken skewers, perfect for a quick and easy dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the grates with water to prevent sticking. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Karaage Japanese Fried Chicken
Karaage is a popular Japanese street food that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This recipe makes it easy to enjoy this flavorful fried chicken at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup potato starch
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine potato starch, cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until coated with the dry mixture.
3. Dip the coated chicken pieces in the beaten eggs, then coat again with the dry mixture.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Oyakodon Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl
A flavorful and filling Japanese-inspired bowl filled with chicken, eggs, and savory rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice (short-grain)
– 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sake or dry white wine (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook Japanese rice according to package instructions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake (if using), and black pepper. Set aside.
3. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Push chicken to one side of the pan, crack in eggs, and scramble them until cooked through.
5. Mix soy sauce mixture into the pan and stir-fry everything together for 1 minute.
6. Serve chicken and egg mixture over prepared Japanese rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Katsu
A Japanese-inspired dish that combines tender chicken with a crispy breadcrumb coating and savory tonkatsu sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Tonkatsu sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Optional: shredded cabbage and pickled ginger for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the breading station by placing flour, panko breadcrumbs, and a plate with milk in separate bowls.
2. Pound each chicken breast to an even thickness.
3. Dip each chicken breast in flour, then milk, finally coating with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the breaded chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
7. Serve hot with tonkatsu sauce, shredded cabbage, and pickled ginger (if using).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Miso Chicken
A sweet and savory twist on traditional chicken, this Miso Chicken recipe combines the rich flavors of miso paste with the comfort of roasted chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp white miso paste
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and pour in the chicken broth.
6. Roast the chicken for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through, basting every 20 minutes with the pan juices.
7. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chicken Nanban
A popular Japanese dish from the Nagoya region, Chicken Nanban is a flavorful and spicy chicken dish cooked in a sweet and sour nanban sauce. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup nanban sauce (available at Asian grocery stores or online)
– 1/4 cup sake (Japanese rice wine)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together nanban sauce, sake, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Tori No Kara Miso Nikomi
This Japanese-inspired dish is a flavorful twist on traditional teriyaki chicken, with the added richness of miso paste and savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tbsp mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
– 2 tbsp miso paste
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar.
2. Add chicken thighs and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
5. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Meanwhile, whisk together miso paste and ginger in a small bowl.
8. Brush the miso mixture onto the chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken Tsukune
Tsukune, or Japanese-style chicken skewers, are a popular street food in Japan. This recipe brings the flavors of Tokyo to your backyard with tender and juicy chicken, sweet and savory glaze, and crispy texture.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake)
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, mirin, rice vinegar, ginger, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Serve warm with sesame seeds and chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tori Paitan Ramen
Experience the rich flavors of Japanese comfort food with this hearty and savory Tori Paitan Ramen recipe. This popular variation of Tonkotsu Ramen features a creamy pork bone broth, springy noodles, and tender chicken slices.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork bones
– 4 cups water
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (Japanese rice wine)
– 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
– 1 package ramen noodles
– Scallions, thinly sliced
– Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast pork bones for 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, combine roasted pork bones, water, onion, garlic, and chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 4 hours or overnight.
3. Strain broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot. Discard solids.
4. Add soy sauce, sake, and white pepper. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
5. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Divide among bowls.
6. Ladle hot broth over noodles. Slice cooked chicken and add to the bowl.
7. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
Cooking Time: 4 hours (including braising time)
Chicken Shogayaki
Shogayaki is a popular Japanese dish that combines the flavors of chicken, soy sauce, and ginger for a mouthwatering result. This recipe simplifies the process to create a delicious and easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tbsp mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
– 2 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sesame oil.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tatsuta Age Chicken
This Japanese-inspired dish is a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors, with the tender chicken soaked in a rich soy-based marinade.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and garlic.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Soboro Don
A popular Japanese dish, Chicken Soboro Don is a flavorful and savory donburi (rice bowl) filled with juicy chicken, crispy soboro (Japanese-style fried shallots), and savory sauce. This recipe serves 1-2 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice (preferably Koshihikari)
– 1/4 cup soboro (Japanese-style fried shallots)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tbsp mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake)
– 1 tsp sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the chicken breast or thighs in your preferred method (grilling, pan-frying, or baking).
2. Prepare the soboro by thinly slicing shallots and frying them until crispy.
3. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
5. Assemble the donburi by placing cooked rice in a bowl, topping with sliced chicken, soboro, and drizzling the savory sauce.
Cooking Time:
– Chicken cooking time: 20-25 minutes (depending on method)
– Soboro preparation: 10 minutes
– Sauce preparation: 5 minutes
Total cooking time: approximately 40-50 minutes
Chicken Udon Stir Fry
Get ready to savor the rich flavors of Japan with this easy-to-make Chicken Udon Stir Fry recipe. In just 20 minutes, you’ll be enjoying a delicious and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups udon noodles
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir-fry onion, garlic, and bell peppers until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Return chicken to the pan and stir in soy sauce and sesame oil. Cook for an additional minute.
6. Add cooked udon noodles to the pan and stir-fry everything together until well combined.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Chicken Kara Miso
Experience the bold flavors of Korea with this spicy and savory chicken dish, marinated in a mixture of miso paste, gochujang, garlic, and ginger.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp miso paste
– 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1/4 cup water
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together miso paste, gochujang, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken Gyoza
Discover the authentic taste of Japan with this simple and flavorful Chicken Gyoza recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground chicken
– 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
– 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped cabbage, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Dip your finger in a small amount of water and run it along the edges of the wrapper.
4. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press the edges together to seal the gyoza.
5. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Cooking Time:
– Pan-fry: 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
– Steam: 4-6 minutes, or until cooked through.
Chicken Zosui
Quickly cook up a flavorful and spicy dish with this Chicken Zosui recipe! This popular Korean stir-fry is packed with juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and bold flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers, sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Cooked white or brown rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
3. Cook chicken until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
4. In the same skillet, cook onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add bell peppers and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and stir-fry with vegetables for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Katsu Curry
A flavorful and aromatic Japanese-inspired dish that combines crispy chicken katsu with a rich and creamy curry sauce, served over steaming hot rice.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup curry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked Japanese rice, for serving
Instructions:
1. Cut chicken breasts into thin cutlets.
2. Dip each cutlet in flour, then eggs, and finally panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry katsu until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened.
5. Stir in curry sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
6. Serve katsu on top of rice, spooning curry sauce over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken Miso Soup
Warm up with this comforting and savory Japanese-inspired soup, featuring tender chicken, rich miso paste, and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup white miso paste
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
4. Add the onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
5. Pour in the broth, miso paste, soy sauce, and ginger. Stir well.
6. Return the chicken to the pot and bring to a simmer.
7. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken Soba Noodle Salad
This refreshing salad combines the nutty flavor of soba noodles with the savory taste of grilled chicken and a hint of Asian-inspired dressing.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz soba noodles
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Grill chicken breast until cooked through. Slice into strips.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, grilled chicken, scallions, and sesame seeds.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your meals with these 20 flavorful Japanese chicken recipes! From classic teriyaki chicken to yakitori grilled skewers, karaage fried chicken, and more, this collection has something for everyone. Discover traditional dishes like oyakodon rice bowls and chicken katsu, as well as modern twists on old favorites. With a range of cooking methods and flavor profiles, these recipes will take your taste buds on a culinary journey across Japan.
