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Japanese Cherry Blossom Chicken Recipe
Vicky Sharma

Japanese Cherry Blossom Chicken Recipe

A flavorful Japanese Cherry Blossom Chicken Recipe made with tender chicken simmered in a light soy, ginger, and honey glaze. This easy Japanese cherry blossom chicken recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs beautifully with steamed rice and vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
Optional Garnish
  • toasted sesame seeds
  • sliced scallions
  • pickled ginger
For Serving
  • steamed white rice

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Kitchen tongs
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Step 1
  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and lightly season with a small pinch of salt.
Step 2
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    Chicken thighs cooking in skillet for cherry blossom chicken recipe
Step 3
  1. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until lightly golden brown.
Step 4
  1. In a small bowl mix soy sauce, mirin, honey, garlic, ginger, and chicken broth.
Step 5
  1. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken.
    Adding sauce to chicken for Japanese cherry blossom chicken recipe
Step 6
  1. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 6–8 minutes while spooning the sauce over the chicken.
Step 7
  1. Drizzle sesame oil over the chicken during the last minute of cooking.
Step 8
  1. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce becomes a light glaze.
    Checking chicken temperature for safe cooking
Step 9
  1. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds and serve hot with steamed rice.

Video

Notes

Notes (Chef Tips)
  • Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts in this recipe.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will not brown properly.
  • If the sauce becomes too salty, add 1–2 tablespoons of water or broth.
  • For extra flavor, let the chicken rest in the sauce for 2–3 minutes before serving.