Honjozo-Marinated Chicken Teriyaki

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A Japanese-inspired dish honoring authentic brewing ratios—chicken simmered in a sake-based glaze with precise 10% alcohol-to-liquid balance for delicate sweetness. This japanese-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs (454g), skinless chicken thighs, (60ml) sake, (30ml) mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 2, 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: 35 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk sake, mirin, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and garlic until sugar dissolves—this ensures the sake (10% of total liquid) balances without overpowering. Add chicken thighs, turning to coat, and marinate 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade), and sear chicken 4 minutes per side until golden. Pour reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Uncover, increase heat to medium-high, and simmer 5 minutes until sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Transfer chicken to a plate and spoon sauce over top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honjozo-Marinated Chicken Teriyaki take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (35 min prep + 25 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 Honjozo-Marinated Chicken Teriyaki?

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 (60ml) sake from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honjozo-Marinated Chicken Teriyaki?

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 Honjozo-Marinated Chicken Teriyaki for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Honjozo-Marinated Chicken Teriyaki?

Japanese chicken 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.

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