Discover the many uniquely Japanese ways to enjoy chicken

Chicken Dishes in Japan

Japanese chicken dishes are very diverse.
There are dishes that can be eaten anywhere in the country, those that are regional specialties, those served at high-end restaurants, and those eaten at home. Sometimes chicken is the main dish, other times a side dish or used for making broth—but all are delicious Japanese cuisine.
Also, throughout Japan, there are famous branded and local chickens. You'll be surprised at how different chicken meat can taste. Chicken dishes eaten in their local area are especially exceptional.
Even if you usually eat chicken in your own country, don’t dismiss it—please try enjoying Japanese chicken dishes.

Chicken dishes eaten throughout Japan include... Yakitori, Karaage, and Oyakodon

Yakitori: Skewered Chicken, Charcoal-Grilled to Perfection

Yakitori consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken skewered on sticks and grilled over direct heat. While the term literally means "grilled chicken," it sometimes includes skewers of vegetables or even other types of meat.
Yakitori can be enjoyed at specialty yakitori restaurants, izakayas (Japanese pubs), and is also widely available at supermarkets, butcher shops, and convenience stores as take-out food.

There are two main seasoning styles:

• Shio (salt) – simple, bringing out the natural flavor

• Tare (sweet soy-based sauce) – made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar

Children often love the sweet tare flavor, while adults may enjoy it with a sprinkle of chili powder and a glass of sake.
Yakitori menus can be surprisingly vast, as each part of the chicken offers a unique taste and texture. Trying a variety is part of the fun.

Main menu items:

• Seiniku – Meat portions such as thigh or breast, not internal organs

• Negima – Alternating chicken meat and green onion skewered together

• Tsukune – Ground chicken formed into meatballs; each shop has its own style

• Kawa – Chicken skin

• Liver – Liver

• Sasami – Inner breast meat; the leanest and highest-protein among chicken cuts

• Seseri – Meat around the neck

• Bonjiri – Meat from the tail

• Tebasaki – Wing, from the tip to the joint

• Nankotsu – Soft bone with a crunchy texture

• Hatsu – Heart

• Sunagimo – Gizzard

Karaage: Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken

Karaage refers to food that is lightly coated in flour or potato starch and deep-fried in high-temperature oil without using a batter.
While it also includes fried ingredients other than chicken, for Japanese people, "karaage" immediately brings chicken to mind.
It is a familiar and popular dish enjoyed by all ages.

Karaage is a popular side dish at home and a favorite in bento (lunch boxes).
It is not only sold at specialty stores but also at butcher shops, delis, convenience stores, supermarkets, izakaya, and family restaurants—you can get it anywhere.
The seasoning and coating method differ depending on the shop, so there is great variety.
Why not search for your ultimate favorite karaage?

Oyakodon: Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl

Oyakodon is a type of donburi (rice bowl) where chicken is simmered in warishita (seasoned broth) and then finished by adding beaten eggs, served over rice.
The name “oyako” (parent and child) comes from the use of both chicken and egg.

It is common to simmer chicken with vegetables like green onion or onion, and often garnished with mitsuba (Japanese parsley), green peas, or shredded nori for color.
It can be easily made at home and is also served at soba or udon shops, yakitori restaurants, and diners.
Recently, even convenience stores sell well-made oyakodon that is gaining attention for its high quality.

There are also regional variations:

• In Kanto (eastern Japan), the seasoning is typically a rich mix of soy sauce and mirin.

• In Kansai (western Japan), the flavor tends to be lighter with more emphasis on dashi broth, often including green onions as a key ingredient.

There are so many other dishes using chicken, including ramen, hotpot, omelet rice, etc. Please enjoy chicken dishes as part of Japanese food culture.