Authentic Japanese Sake-Braised Chicken with Mushrooms

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs braised in a savory sauce of sake, soy sauce, and shiitake mushrooms, served over steamed rice. This japanese-inspired chicken (low-carb) ready in about 60 minutes pairs each chicken thighs, sliced shiitake mushrooms, sake for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 8 sliced shiitake mushrooms and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup sake, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 2 tbsp mirin. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and braise for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 sliced green onions and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or sake if needed.
  5. Step 5: Serve the chicken and sauce over steamed rice, garnished with additional green onions.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Japanese Sake-Braised Chicken with Mushrooms take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Japanese Sake-Braised Chicken with Mushrooms?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep each chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Japanese Sake-Braised Chicken with Mushrooms?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Japanese Sake-Braised Chicken with Mushrooms for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Authentic Japanese Sake-Braised Chicken with Mushrooms low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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