Craving a flavorful and juicy roast chicken that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this recipe for Japanese Roasted Chicken! This dish elevates the classic roast chicken with a subtle blend of Japanese seasonings, creating a taste experience that's both comforting and sophisticated. Forget complicated techniques and long marinades – this recipe utilizes readily available ingredients to deliver exceptional results, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The savory-sweet balance of soy sauce, mirin, and sake creates a beautifully caramelized skin and incredibly tender meat.
This irresistible Japanese-inspired roast chicken is easier to make than you think! Ready to learn how to achieve perfectly crispy skin and unbelievably moist meat? Let's dive into the step-by-step process that will have you enjoying this delicious dish in no time.
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- Bowl
- Baking tray
- Oven
Ingredients
- Whole chicken
- Vegetable oil
- Butter: 50g
- Garlic cloves: 5
- Salt: 2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1 tsp
- Sweet paprika: 1 tsp
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
- Mustard: 2 tbsp
- Ketchup: 2 tbsp
- Honey: 2 tbsp
- Onion: 1
- Red bell pepper: 1
- Olive oil
- Small boiled potatoes: 7
- Parsley
- Lemon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken
- Cut a whole chicken in half along the breastbone, without cutting all the way through.
- Heat vegetable oil and 50g of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Fry five chopped garlic cloves until golden, then remove them.
- Place the chicken in the skillet, cover, and cook for 7 minutes.
- Flip the chicken, cover it again, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Take the chicken out and set it aside in a bowl.
Step 2. Marinate and Bake the Chicken
- Mix 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp sweet paprika, 2 tbsp each of soy sauce, mustard, ketchup, and honey.
- Spread this sauce on the chicken.
- Bake the chicken on a lined tray in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 40 minutes, checking occasionally.
Step 3. Prepare the Roasted Vegetables
- Meanwhile, sauté one sliced onion and one sliced red bell pepper in olive oil until golden.
- Add seven small boiled potatoes, season with salt, pepper, and parsley, and stir well.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve the roasted chicken with the vegetables and squeeze lemon juice on top.
Read more: Steamed Meat-Topped Tofu with Sesame Sauce: A Delicious Japanese Recipe
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 1800-2200
- Fat: 120-150g
- Carbs: 70-90g
- Protein: 100-130g
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Either works great! Bone-in thighs will be slightly more flavorful and juicy, while boneless will cook faster.
2. What can I substitute for mirin if I don't have any?
You can substitute with an equal amount of sweet rice wine or a mixture of 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of dry sherry per tablespoon of mirin.
3. How do I ensure the chicken skin gets crispy?
Pat the chicken dry before roasting, ensure your oven is hot enough (around 400°F), and don't overcrowd the pan. Roasting uncovered allows for optimal crispiness.
This simple Japanese roasted chicken recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner repertoire. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will leave you wanting more, and the crispy skin and juicy meat are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy your delicious and authentic Japanese-style roasted chicken!