Imagine a dish so simple yet so incredibly delicious that it transports you straight to the streets of Tokyo with just one bite. This Japanese Sea Salt Grilled Chicken is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that combines the perfect balance of savory, umami, and smoky flavors. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to elevate your grilling game and impress everyone with this incredibly easy and authentic Japanese chicken recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels to help achieve a crispy exterior when grilling.
- In a small bowl, mix sea salt, olive oil, sake, and soy sauce to create a marinade.
- Thoroughly coat each chicken thigh with the marinade, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C).
- Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent chicken from sticking.
- Place marinated chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down first if using skin-on chicken.
- Grill for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and ensure chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice chicken and serve hot, optionally garnishing with green onions or sesame seeds.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your chicken come to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent dry meat.
- Pat Dry for Crispy Perfection: Removing moisture from the chicken's surface is crucial for achieving that gorgeous, crispy exterior.
- Marinade Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Let the flavors of sake, soy sauce, and sea salt penetrate the meat for maximum taste.
- Grill Temperature Control: Maintain a medium-high heat around 400°F (200°C) to get beautiful grill marks without burning the chicken.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety without overcooking.
- Resting is Key: Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after grilling to help redistribute the juices, keeping the meat tender and moist.
- Optional Garnish: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
