Like any other cuisines in the world, chicken is one of the most popular meat choices in Japanese cuisine.
This trend has been particularly noticeable in recent years. In 2012, chicken meat surpassed pork, which had remained in first place for many years, becoming the number one consumed meat in Japan. Since then, it has firmly held it's place in the number one spot to this day!
Anyhow, there are a lot of Japanese chicken recipes I want to share with you, so here I have listed 25 popular Japanese chicken recipes that you've gotta try!
Jump to:
- Authentic Crispy Japanese Teriyaki Chicken
- Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl)
- Chicken Karaage (Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken)
- Chicken Tatsuta Age
- Oita Style Chicken Tempura (Toriten)
- Chicken Soboro Don (Sanshoku Donburi)
- Chicken Soboro Onigiri (Japanese Ground Chicken Rice Ball)
- Chicken Yaki Udon
- Chicken Tsukune (Japanese Glazed Meatballs)
- Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Pizza
- Saizeriya's Karami Chicken
- Nagoya Style Tebasaki Chicken Wings
- Japanese Ketchup Fried Rice (Chicken Rice)
- Chanko Nabe (a.k.a. Sumo Stew)
- Omurice (Japanese Omelette Rice)
- Karaage Don (Japanese Fried Chicken Rice Bowl)
- Ootoya Style Black Vinegar Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Chicken Nanban (チキン南蛮)
- Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry
- Crispy Chicken Katsu (Chicken Cutlet)
- Takikomi Gohan (Japanese Seasoned Rice)
- Oyako Udon (Chicken and Egg Udon Soup)
- Japanese Chicken Salad
- Chicken Zosui (Japanese Rice Soup)
- Chilled Chicken and Citrus Somen Noodle Soup
- Step by step recipe
- 25 Must Try Japanese Chicken Recipes
Authentic Crispy Japanese Teriyaki Chicken
Delicious Japanese teriyaki chicken made with succulent, skin-on chicken thigh coated in a glossy, sweet and sticky homemade teriyaki glaze. Not only does it taste incredible, but it's ready in just 15 minutes!
It's safe to say that this is one of the most famous Japanese dishes worldwide and one of the best recipes on my website. When I want a break from making new recipes, this is one of my go-to options when I want to cook something easy that also tastes great.
Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl)
"Oyakodon" is a humble, cheap and quick dish that is popular in homes and restaurants across Japan. Made with succulent chicken thigh, softened onions and silky egg served over Japanese rice.
Another dish I make all the time, this recipe comes with a lot of tips to make best oyakodon at home!
Chicken Karaage (Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken)
Karaage is a very special dish for me. My first ever dream when I was kid was to open my own karaage specialty food stand. At that time (more than 20 years ago), it sounded like a very strange dream to have, but here now in 21st century, karaage specialty food stands have become the biggest ever in Japan.
Maybe I should have pursued the dream really but you know, I was like 5 at the time. Anyhow, Karaage is still my favourite dish of all time and I could pretty much eat it everyday, literally.
Chicken Tatsuta Age
Tatsuta age is a delicious variation of karaage (Japanese style fried chicken) made with succulent chicken thigh soaked in a soy based marinade, coated in a layer of potato starch and fried until golden like autumn leaves!
If you want more crispy texture than karaage, try this tatsuta age recipe!
Oita Style Chicken Tempura (Toriten)
Toriten is a regional dish that hails from Oita, Japan. Made with succulent, marinated chicken breast which is then coated in a fluffy tempura batter and deep fried, it's served with a bright and citrusy dipping sauce. When it comes to flavour, this regional chicken tempura ticks all the boxes!
If you like kind of soft textured batter than karaage or tatsutaage, I highly recommend this toriten recipe!
Chicken Soboro Don (Sanshoku Donburi)
Sanshoku don is a colourful and tasty dish made with seasoned Japanese "soboro" chicken, scrambled eggs and blanched spinach served on top of a bowl of hot and fluffy Japanese rice. It's tasty, filling and perfect for dinner and lunchboxes!
If you like sweet and savoury type of flavour, I really think this is cup of your tea!
Chicken Soboro Onigiri (Japanese Ground Chicken Rice Ball)
This is another variation of chicken soboro in rice ball form!
Chicken soboro onigiri (rice ball) is made with ground chicken cooked in a savory Japanese style sauce and then mixed with sticky white rice. It's easy to make and a delicious meaty twist on a classic lunchbox dish!
Chicken Yaki Udon
This tasty yaki udon is made with thick udon noodles, chicken breast, onion, bell peppers and cabbage stir fried in a delicious mixture of garlic, butter and soy sauce. It's easy to make and only takes 15 minutes!
If you are looking for something quick and easy to make for lunch, this is a great recipe to consider!
Chicken Tsukune (Japanese Glazed Meatballs)
Chicken tsukune is a delicious and flavourful type of Japanese meatball often served at izakayas, yakitori stands, at home and in bento boxes.
My homemade tsukune recipe is made with chicken thigh mixed with grated onion, shiso leaves, miso paste and ginger amongst other seasonings. They are then shaped, fried and coated in a delicious sticky glaze!
Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Pizza
Why not try this delicious homemade pizza with a Japanese twist? Tender chicken thigh fried in classic Japanese teriyaki sauce served on takeaway style pizza dough with onion, sweetcorn and a drizzle of creamy mayonnaise!
You might not believe it, but teriyaki chicken pizza is one of the most well loved pizza variations for delivery pizza in Japan.
Saizeriya's Karami Chicken
Karami Chicken is a well loved side dish on Japanese "Italian" chain restaurant, "Saizeriya". Made from succulent chicken wings that are coated in a sweet and mildly spicy sauce, I could eat these all day!
If you ever want to have fried chicken wings with twist, this is the recipe I'd recommend!
Nagoya Style Tebasaki Chicken Wings
Nagoya Tebasaki (Nagoya style chicken wings) are delicious crispy deep fried wings that have been brushed with a special glaze and then generously dusted with a mixture of fine white pepper.
This is my regional food that I have loved all my life so of course, I highly recommend!
Japanese Ketchup Fried Rice (Chicken Rice)
You might think Japanese ketchup rice sounds a bit kiddy, but don't be fooled! My Japanese ketchup rice (also known as "Japanese chicken rice") is seasoned with a variety of herbs and seasonings to give it a more sophisticated taste.
Made with chicken thigh, onions, bell peppers and mushrooms, this elegant "ketchup rice" can be enjoyed by the whole family, not just kids!
Chanko Nabe (a.k.a. Sumo Stew)
You probably know Japanese sumo wrestlers are huge in size, but did you know they actually eat very nutritious food? (They just eat loads of it!)
Chanko nabe is a traditional dish eaten by Japanese sumo wrestlers. Packed with vegetables, tofu and delicious homemade chicken meatballs in a light dashi and chicken broth, why not enjoy this nutritious and warming dish at home?
Omurice (Japanese Omelette Rice)
Omurice is made up of ketchup fried rice with chicken and vegetables and then wrapped in a beautifully fluffy omelette.
It's bright, fun and a popular dish to make at home and eat in restaurants, it's especially loved by kids!
Karaage Don (Japanese Fried Chicken Rice Bowl)
Perfectly crispy Japanese style fried chicken served on crispy cabbage and fluffy white rice. Drizzled with mayonnaise, a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of spring onion, this is the ultimate donburi dish if you're a karaage lover like myself!
If you wanna eat chicken karaage and rice together anyway, why not combine them together in the same bowl, "donburi style"?
Ootoya Style Black Vinegar Sweet and Sour Chicken
This "Tori to Yasai No Kurozu An" recipe is based on a vibrant dish that you can find at a well known chain restaurant in Japan called "Ootoya". It's their most popular dish, and for good reason!
Delicious fried chicken with crunchy vegetables in a sweet and sour black vinegar sauce, it's SO good!
Chicken Nanban (チキン南蛮)
This delicious Chicken Nanban consists of fried chicken cooked in a sweet vinegar sauce and then topped with rich homemade Japanese tartar sauce.
This dish was created in Miyazaki prefecture, Southern Japan and actually has influences from Portugal. It is now one of the most popular fried chicken dishes in Japan and you can make it from scratch in your own kitchen!
Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry
Japanese chicken katsu curry is the ultimate comfort dish! Tender chicken breast coated in a crispy panko batter and served on a thick, rich and gravy-like curry.
Not only is it seriously delicious, but it's also a great dish for making in advance and storing in the freezer for a quick easy meal during the week!
Crispy Chicken Katsu (Chicken Cutlet)
Chicken katsu is a versatile dish that you can make into pretty much anything! Enjoy it with rice, on donburi, in a sandwich, with curry... the list goes on!
Tender chicken thigh coated in a thick and crunchy layer of panko breadcrumbs and fried to perfection, then drizzled with a delicious homemade katsu sauce. Every crunch is gonna have you dancing in your seat!
Takikomi Gohan (Japanese Seasoned Rice)
Takikomi gohan is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy Japanese rice. Cooked with chicken, seasonal vegetables and flavoured with Japanese condiments, this dish is commonly enjoyed in the cooler autumn months together with fish and miso soup.
Recommended to make with in-season mushrooms from your local area!
Oyako Udon (Chicken and Egg Udon Soup)
If you can make oyakodon, why not make oyako udon with udon noodles?
Juicy chicken thigh and fluffy ribbons of egg served in a light and delicious udon noodle broth, this oyako udon is not only quick and easy to make, but it's also a great budget meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner!
Japanese Chicken Salad
This Japanese chicken salad is made with a perfectly tender and juicy chicken breast served over fresh salad vegetables, boiled eggs and my special homemade Japanese dressing.
Mix and match with your favourite salad vegetables using this recipe!
Chicken Zosui (Japanese Rice Soup)
Zosui is a comforting dish made with cooked rice served in a delicious soup flavoured with soy sauce or miso. My recipe is made with succulent chicken thigh, crispy chicken skin and umami-rich mushrooms for the ultimate flavour.
This recipe comes with different tips to avoid common mistakes to make zosui as well!
Chilled Chicken and Citrus Somen Noodle Soup
This delicious chicken and citrus somen noodle soup combines the refreshing elements of a salad with the satisfying taste of noodle soup, it's served cold and has a kick of citrus flavour.
Topped with tender chicken breast, crunchy cucumber, soft boiled egg and slices of sudachi (or lime!), it's easy to make and the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer's day!
Step by step recipe
25 Must Try Japanese Chicken Recipes
Description
A collection of some of the best and most popular Japanese chicken recipes!
Ingredients
- Japanese teriyaki chicken
- Oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl)
- Chicken karaage (Japanese fried chicken)
- Chicken tatsuta age
- Chicken tempura
- Chicken soboro don
- Chicken soboro onigiri (rice ball)
- Chicken yaki udon
- Chicken tsukune (Japanese grazed meatballs)
- Japanese teriyaki chicken pizza
- Saizeriya's karami chicken
- Nagoya's tebasaki chicken wings
- Japanese ketchup rice (chicken rice)
- Chanko nabe (sumo stew)
- Omurice (Japanese omelette rice)
- Karaage don (fried chicken bowl)
- Black vinegar sweet and sour chicken
- Chicken nanban
- Chicken katsu curry
- Chicken katsu (cutlet)
- Takikomi gohan (Japanese flavoured rice)
- Oyako udon (chicken and egg udon soup)
- Japanese chicken salad
- Chicken zosui (Japanese rice soup)
- Chicken and citrus some noodle soup
Instructions
- Select recipes you want to try from the list above.
- See the detailed instruction in each post.
- Enjoy the chicken recipe for your lunch or dinner!
Keywords: Japanese chicken recipes
Leave a star rating and feedback or ask a question!