Sake-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Ginger & Mirin
Tender chicken thighs marinated in a traditional sake and mirin blend, then caramelized to a glossy finish. Served with steamed rice for an authentic Japanese home-cooked meal. This asian-inspired asian (gluten-free) ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, sake, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 540 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 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 2 cups cooked short-grain rice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp sake, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove. Add 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is coated, and marinate for at least 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Remove chicken from marinade (discard excess marinade), and sear chicken skin-side down for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 3: Flip chicken, pour remaining marinade over, and simmer uncovered for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and sauce reduces to a glossy coating, occasionally basting with pan drippings.
- Step 4: Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then serve with 2 cups cooked short-grain rice, spooning pan sauce over both.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sake-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Ginger & Mirin 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 Sake-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Ginger & Mirin?
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 Sake-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Ginger & Mirin?
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 Sake-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Ginger & Mirin 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 Sake-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Ginger & Mirin gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this sake-glazed are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
