Japanese-style chargrilled chicken

Japanese-style chargrilled chicken features tender chicken marinated in a savory blend of mirin, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, grilled to perfection and served over rice noodles for a satisfying dish.

15 Nov 2025
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 140 min

Ingredients:

2 tbsp peanut oil
1/3 cup mirin
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp ginger root
2 garlic cloves
1.50 lb chicken breasts
1 cup rice noodles

Japanese-style chargrilled chicken is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of mirin, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to give you a savory and aromatic experience. It's paired perfectly with rice noodles for a complete meal. This recipe is both delicious and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or a special weekend meal.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut oil, mirin, soy sauce, grated ginger root, and minced garlic. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

2. Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that the breasts are well-coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate, preferably up to 2 hours.

3. Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oil them to prevent the chicken from sticking.

4. Grill the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off.
- Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is charred and cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

5. Cook the Rice Noodles:
- While the chicken is grilling, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the rice noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 4-6 minutes.
- Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

6. Serve:
- Slice the grilled chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Arrange the rice noodles on a serving plate and top with the sliced chicken.
- Optionally, you can garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal.

7. Enjoy:
- Serve your Japanese-style chargrilled chicken with rice noodles warm and enjoy a delicious, flavorful meal!

Your Japanese-style chargrilled chicken is now ready to be enjoyed! The combination of tender, flavorful chicken with the soft rice noodles is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, savory taste of Japanese cuisine.

Japanese-style chargrilled chicken FAQ:

What is the ideal marinating time for the chicken?

The chicken should marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for best flavor, aim for 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the breast.

Can I substitute the rice noodles with another type of noodle?

Yes, you can substitute rice noodles with other types of noodles such as soba or udon, but be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for those noodles.

What should I do if the chicken is sticking to the grill?

Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before placing the chicken on. If sticking occurs, allow it to cook a little longer; it will naturally release when it's ready to flip.

How should I store leftover chargrilled chicken?

Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Cooking Tips:

- Ensure that the chicken breasts are evenly marinated to absorb all the flavors; marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for the best results.

- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for optimal chargrilling. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a nice, smoky flavor.

- To prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill, lightly oil the grates before placing the meat.

- Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions but drain them just before they reach al dente. They will continue to cook when you combine them with the chicken.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings
Calories 350kcal
Protein 40g
Carbohydrates 16g
Fiber 0.81g
Sugar 0.16g
Fat 12g

Japanese-style chargrilled chicken