Sake-Infused Chicken with Pickled Plum
Tender chicken thighs braised in a sweet-savory sake and umeboshi glaze, finished with fresh shiso leaves for an authentic Japanese flavor profile. This japanese-inspired one pot (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs skin-on bone-in chicken thighs, sake, umeboshi paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 4, skin-on bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup sake
- 2 tbsp umeboshi paste
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 4, thinly sliced shiso leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and cook for 7 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, pour in 1/4 cup sake, 2 tbsp umeboshi paste, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp sugar. Simmer for 15 minutes, turning chicken occasionally.
- Step 4: Remove chicken, tent with foil, and simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Drizzle over chicken and garnish with 4 thinly sliced shiso leaves.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sake-Infused Chicken with Pickled Plum take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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-Infused Chicken with Pickled Plum?
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 sake from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sake-Infused Chicken with Pickled Plum?
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-Infused Chicken with Pickled Plum 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.
Is Sake-Infused Chicken with Pickled Plum 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
- ★★★★★
So easy to make in one pot! The aroma was amazing and the chicken was tender. Highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Authentic and flavorful. The pickled plum really elevates the dish. Will make again.
- ★★★★★
My family loved this! The sake and plum combo is perfect. Made it for dinner and it was a hit.
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