In This Article Show
Japanese cuisine offers a balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, often featuring soy sauce, mirin, sake, miso, and other seasonings that elevate simple ingredients.
If you’re looking for fuss-free dishes that bring authentic tastes into your kitchen, these 17 easy Japanese chicken recipes are sure to inspire your next meal.
1. Chicken Tatsuta-age
A twist on karaage: marinate chicken in soy sauce, mirin, and ginger, then dust with katakuriko (potato starch). Fry until crispy and serve with grated daikon or lemon wedges.
Get the Chicken Tatsuta-age recipe.
2. Teriyaki Chicken
A quintessential favorite: marinate chicken thighs or breasts in a mix of soy sauce, mirin, sake (or rice vinegar), and sugar. Sauté or grill until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
Get the Teriyaki chicken recipe.
3. Chicken Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
Marinate bite-size chicken pieces in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Coat with potato starch (or cornstarch) before frying for an ultra-crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Get the Chicken Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) recipe.
4. Oyakodon (Chicken & Egg Rice Bowl)
Simmer chicken in a sweet-savory broth made of dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Crack eggs over the top, cook until soft, then ladle everything onto a bowl of steamed rice.
Get the Oyakodon (Chicken & Egg Rice Bowl) recipe.
5. Yakitori
Skewer chunks of chicken (and optional veggies like green onions), brush them with a sweet soy sauce glaze, and grill. Perfect for a quick meal or appetizer.
6. Chicken Katsu
Coat chicken cutlets in flour, beaten egg, and panko bread crumbs. Shallow or deep-fry until golden brown. Serve with a drizzle of tonkatsu sauce or Japanese mayo.
7. Miso-Glazed Chicken
Marinate chicken in a mixture of miso paste, sake, mirin, and a touch of sugar. Bake or grill until the outside caramelizes for an umami-rich entrée.
Get the Miso-Glazed Chicken recipe.
8. Japanese Chicken Curry
Sauté chicken, onions, carrots, and potatoes, then simmer with Japanese curry roux until thick and aromatic. Serve over rice for a hearty, comforting meal.
Get the Japanese Chicken Curry recipe.
9. Chicken Soboro Don
Cook ground chicken with soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and ginger until the liquid evaporates and the meat is crumbly. Serve over steamed rice, often accompanied by scrambled eggs or pickled veggies.
Get the Chicken Soboro Don recipe.
10. Chicken Tsukune (Meatballs)
Mix ground chicken with panko, egg, and seasonings like ginger and soy sauce. Shape into meatballs or patties, then grill or pan-fry. Glaze them with a sweet-and-savory yakitori sauce.
Get the Chicken Tsukune (Meatballs)recipe.
11. Karaage Chicken Salad
Use leftover chicken karaage or simply marinated grilled chicken. Serve on a bed of greens and drizzle with a sesame-ginger dressing for a lighter twist on a Japanese classic.
Get the Karaage Chicken Salad recipe.
12. Tori Nanban (Sweet-Vinegar Chicken)
Fry marinated chicken, then dip it in a tangy vinegar-based sauce. Often served with tartar sauce on top, combining sweet, sour, and creamy flavors.
Get the Tori Nanban (Sweet-Vinegar Chicken) recipe.
13. Chicken & Shimeji Mushroom Stir-Fry
Sauté chicken strips and shimeji mushrooms (or your favorite mushrooms) in a sauce of soy sauce, mirin, and ginger. A quick dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
Get the Chicken and Shimeji Mushroom Stir-Fry recipe.
14. Udon Noodle Soup with Chicken
Simmer dashi or chicken broth, add sliced chicken, onions, and udon noodles. Top with green onions or nori for a cozy, slurp-worthy bowl.
Get the Udon Noodle Soup with Chicken recipe.
15. Chicken Katsu Curry
Combine two favorites—chicken katsu and Japanese curry. Top crispy breaded chicken with a ladle of rich curry sauce for a soul-warming dish.
Get the Chicken Katsu Curry recipe.
16. Sukiyaki-Style Chicken
Use chicken pieces in place of the usual beef. Simmer with onions, tofu, mushrooms, and a sweet soy-based broth. Perfect for a one-pot meal served with steamed rice.
Get the Sukiyaki-Style Chicken recipe.
17. Ponzu Chicken
Marinate chicken in ponzu (a citrus-infused soy sauce) with a little garlic and sesame oil. Grill or pan-fry, then garnish with scallions and sesame seeds for brightness.
