Sake-Marinated Chicken Teriyaki: Honjozo-Style

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

A deeply authentic Japanese teriyaki using honjozo sake for balance, featuring perfectly caramelized chicken with a glossy, savory-sweet glaze. This japanese-inspired one pot (gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, honjozo sake, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 295 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 295 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk together 2 tbsp honjozo sake, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger in a bowl. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, coating evenly; marinate 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade), and sear chicken for 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Pour reserved marinade into the skillet, bring to a simmer, and cook for 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water to thicken sauce to a glossy consistency.
  4. Step 4: Add chicken back to skillet, coating evenly with sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes until chicken is cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken, arrange on a plate, and spoon remaining sauce over top. Sprinkle with 1 tsp sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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-Marinated Chicken Teriyaki: Honjozo-Style?

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-Marinated Chicken Teriyaki: Honjozo-Style?

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-Marinated Chicken Teriyaki: Honjozo-Style 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-Marinated Chicken Teriyaki: Honjozo-Style 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.

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