Authentic Sake-Braised Chicken with Kombu Dashi
A traditional Japanese dish where sake's subtle sweetness balances the umami depth of kombu-dashi, creating a harmonious glaze that tenderizes chicken without overpowering its natural flavor. This asian-inspired one pot ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, sake, kombu dashi stock for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp sake
- 2 cups kombu dashi stock
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp diced ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs dry with paper towels, season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp white pepper, then set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat until shimmering; add chicken skin-side down and cook 5 minutes until golden brown without moving, then flip and cook 3 minutes more.
- Step 3: Add 1 tbsp diced ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp sugar to the pot, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in 3 tbsp sake and cook until evaporated, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour in 2 cups kombu dashi stock, 2 tbsp mirin, and 1 tbsp soy sauce, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 25 minutes until chicken is fork-tender.
- Step 5: Uncover, increase heat to medium-high, and simmer for 5 minutes to reduce sauce until it coats the back of a spoon, then stir in 1 tsp sesame oil and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Sake-Braised Chicken with Kombu Dashi take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Sake-Braised Chicken with Kombu Dashi?
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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Sake-Braised Chicken with Kombu Dashi?
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 Sake-Braised Chicken with Kombu Dashi 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.
What goes well with Authentic Sake-Braised Chicken with Kombu Dashi?
Asian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better one pot dishes though.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
