Sake-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Ginger and Scallions
Tender chicken thighs marinated in sake and mirin, then pan-seared to a golden crust with aromatic ginger and scallions. This japanese-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken thighs, sake, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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
- 16 oz chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup sake
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger
- 4 scallions
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 16 oz chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sake, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger (finely grated).
- Step 2: Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Remove chicken from marinade (reserving marinade), shaking off excess.
- Step 4: Place chicken skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes without moving until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 5: Remove chicken to a plate. Add 1 tsp sesame oil and 4 sliced scallions to the skillet, stir for 30 seconds, then pour in reserved marinade. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened, then drizzle over chicken before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sake-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Ginger and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (35 min prep + 20 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 Thighs with Ginger and Scallions?
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 Thighs with Ginger and Scallions?
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 Thighs with Ginger and Scallions 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 Thighs with Ginger and Scallions 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 delicious! The ginger and scallions cut through the richness of the chicken perfectly.
- ★★★★★
Simple recipe, amazing results. Will make again and again.
- ★★★★★
Made this for dinner and it was a hit. The sake really enhanced the ginger and scallions.
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