Sake-Infused Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
A Japanese-inspired bowl with tender chicken glazed in a teriyaki sauce made with sake, soy sauce, and mirin, served over steamed rice and sesame seeds. This japanese-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken thighs, sake, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup sake
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cups steamed white rice
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 stalks sliced green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/3 cup sake, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, and 2 tbsp honey. Add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, coat well, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and juices run clear, basting with marinade every 10 minutes.
- Step 3: In a small saucepan, bring 1/4 cup marinade to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until it reduces to a glossy glaze (about 5 minutes). Brush this over the chicken before serving.
- Step 4: Divide 3 cups steamed rice into bowls. Top with chicken, drizzle with remaining glaze, sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds, and garnish with sliced green onions.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sake-Infused Teriyaki Chicken Bowl 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 Sake-Infused Teriyaki Chicken Bowl?
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 chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sake-Infused Teriyaki Chicken Bowl?
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 Teriyaki Chicken Bowl 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 Sake-Infused Teriyaki Chicken Bowl?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.