Sake-Marinated Chicken with Ginger and Scallions
Chicken infused with authentic sake, yielding tender, flavorful bites with a delicate ginger-scallion glaze. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 21 minutes pairs sake, minced fresh ginger, thinly sliced scallions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 16 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp sake
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 4, thinly sliced scallions
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 16 oz cubed chicken thighs, 2 tbsp sake, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Mix well and marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Whisk 1/2 tsp rice vinegar and 1 tsp cornstarch into the marinade until smooth.
- Step 3: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Add chicken and marinade, then cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 4: Add 4 thinly sliced scallions and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant and vegetables are slightly wilted.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sake-Marinated Chicken with Ginger and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 21 minutes (15 min prep + 6 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 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 sake from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sake-Marinated Chicken 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 with Ginger and Scallions 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.
What goes well with Sake-Marinated Chicken with Ginger and Scallions?
Asian 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 flavors in this sake-marinated are incredible.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.