Japanese Chicken with Greens and Rice is a delicious, healthful dish that blends fluffy rice, healthy greens, and savory, succulent chicken. The chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection after being marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and ginger. Comforting and nutritious, this dish is served over warm Japanese rice and paired with sautéed spinach or bok choy.
Because it’s so simple to make, it’s ideal for hectic weeknights or a filling lunch. This recipe offers a sense of Japan at your table with its well-balanced tastes and straightforward ingredients. For a genuine touch, garnish with nori, pickled ginger, or spring onions!
| Servings | 4 |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Four skinless and boneless chicken thighs
- Two tablespoons of soy sauce
- One tablespoon of Japanese sweet rice wine, or mirin
- One tablespoon of optional sake
- One teaspoon of sesame oil
- One teaspoon of grated ginger
- Two minced garlic cloves
For the Greens:
- 200g (7 oz) of bok choy or spinach
- One tablespoon of sesame oil
- One teaspoon of soy sauce
- One teaspoon of sesame seeds, roasted
For the Rice:
- Two cups of prepared sushi rice, also known as Japanese short-grain rice
Optional Garnish:
- Spring onions, sliced
- Ginger pickling
- Seaweed strips (nori)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, mirin, and sake (if using) in a bowl.
- Make sure the chicken thighs are thoroughly coated before adding them. Give it ten minutes or more to marinate.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of sesame oil.
- The chicken thighs should be cooked through and golden brown after 4–5 minutes on each side. Remove and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Greens:
- Heat the sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Stir-fry the bok choy or spinach for two to three minutes, or until it wilts.
- Top with toasted sesame seeds and a dash of soy sauce. Take off the heat.
Assemble the Dish:
- Scoop cooked rice into bowls.
- Arrange sliced chicken and sautéed greens over the rice.
Garnish and Serve:
- Top with spring onions, pickled ginger, or nori strips for extra flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
To suit your taste, feel free to change the seasonings. 😊
