Nara-Style Grilled Chicken with Yuzu Kosho Marinade

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a zesty yuzu kosho and soy sauce mixture, inspired by flavors from Nara Prefecture. This japanese-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends boneless skin-on chicken thighs, yuzu kosho, soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 tbsp yuzu kosho, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, and 1 tsp grated ginger to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 boneless skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade, coating evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and brush with 1 tbsp vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-7 minutes until skin is crispy and charred, then flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving with steamed vegetables or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Nara-Style Grilled Chicken with Yuzu Kosho Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Nara-Style Grilled Chicken with Yuzu Kosho Marinade?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Nara-Style Grilled Chicken with Yuzu Kosho Marinade?

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 Nara-Style Grilled Chicken with Yuzu Kosho Marinade 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 Nara-Style Grilled Chicken with Yuzu Kosho Marinade?

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.

Related recipes