Chicken Sukiyaki Recipe
Sukiyaki is a popular Japanese hot pot dish that typically features thinly sliced beef, tofu, various vegetables, and sometimes noodles cooked in a sweet and savory soy-based broth. It’s a communal dish often enjoyed with family or friends, especially during colder seasons.
- 1 lb chicken thigh
- 1/2 Nappa cabbage (medium)
- 1 brown onion (large)
- 1 bunch Mizuna Japanese mustard greens (or Kukuna chrysanthemum greens)
- 1 pkg Tofu (broiled or medium firm)
- 8 Shiitake mushrooms
- 1 pkg Ito Konnyaku noodles
- 1 Tbsp oil
- 4 Tbsp sugar
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 4 Tbsp Sake
- Cut chicken into large bite-size pieces. Cut Nappa cabbage into 2" (5 cm) width pieces. Cut onion in half, then slice into 1/2" (1 cm) thick half rounds. Cut Mizuna into 2" length pieces. Cut Tofu into 8 pieces. Remove stems from Shiitake mushrooms and make decorative star cuts on top (watch video). Drain the Ito Konnyaku noodles.
- Heat a Sukiyaki pan or any iron pan at medium high heat with oil. Sear chicken until browned, add sugar, soy sauce, and Sake. Immediately add the rest of the ingredients and cook about 10-15 minutes. Add more vegetables as you eat. Adjust seasonings if you like by adding more soy sauce and/or sugar.
Chicken Sukiyaki is more common in several regions of the western half of Japan which are famous for chicken called “Jidori.” Jidori is a term referring to local chicken, and more specifically, to locally raised, free-range, or farm-raised chicken. Jidori chicken is known for its distinct flavor, firm texture, and often considered of higher quality compared to mass-produced chicken. In those areas, such as Kyoto, Shiga, and Fukuoka, chicken specialty restaurants are more common and will serve Chicken Sukiyaki. Local people also have more access to those high quality chicken at nearby markets, and they enjoy often Chicken Sukiyaki at home.
However, Jidori is not the only way to enjoy Chicken Sukiyaki. Regular chicken thighs are very flavorful and tasty in Sukiyaki, and thinly sliced chicken breast is perfect for those who are more health conscious. And after all, Chicken Sukiyaki is a much more affordable dish for everyday dinner than beef Sukiyaki. If you like Sukiyaki, this will not disappoint you. Enjoy this chicken variation at home!
