Crispy Japanese Chicken with Tangy Scallion Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Crispy Japanese Chicken with Tangy Scallion Sauce is a delightful dish that balances crunchy, juicy chicken with a flavorful, zesty sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner, it brings authentic Japanese flavors right to your kitchen.

Ingredients
- 10 oz skin-on chicken breast
- 6 tbsp potato starch
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 Japanese long green onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sake
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 tsp grated garlic (from a tube)
- 1 1/2 tbsp vinegar
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp mirin
- A pinch chicken bouillon powder
- 1 tsp grated garlic (from a tube)
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Butterfly the chicken breast and cut it into 2 pieces. Place the pieces between plastic wrap and gently pound with a rolling pin to tenderize the meat, ensuring juicy, tender fried chicken.
- Step 2: In a shallow dish, rub the chicken pieces with salt, sugar, sake, vinegar, and grated garlic to marinate. Let the chicken sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. Then, coat each piece evenly with potato starch for a crispy exterior.
- Step 3: Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until approximately 340°F (170°C). Add the chicken skin-side down and fry for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes. Drain excess oil once cooked.
- Step 4: While frying, combine vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, mirin, chicken bouillon powder, grated garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 600W for 30–40 seconds. Stir in the finely chopped Japanese long green onion to finish the sauce.
- Step 5: Slice the fried chicken and drizzle generously with the tangy scallion sauce. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispness, double-coat the chicken with potato starch before frying.
- If you can’t find Japanese long green onions, substitute with regular scallions or mild green onions.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and ginger in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or a skillet to maintain crispness. The scallion sauce is best prepared fresh but can be refrigerated separately for up to 1 day.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier and more flavorful result. Adjust frying time accordingly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I use if I don’t have potato starch?
Cornstarch or tapioca starch can be good substitutes, though potato starch gives the crispiest texture typical of Japanese fried chicken.
Print
Crispy Japanese Chicken with Tangy Scallion Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A delicious Japanese-style fried chicken featuring juicy, tender chicken breast coated with a crispy potato starch crust and topped with a tangy, flavorful scallion sauce. This quick and easy recipe balances crispy texture with bright, savory notes perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 10 oz skin-on chicken breast
- 6 tbsp potato starch
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sake
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 tsp grated garlic (from a tube)
For the Scallion Sauce
- 1/2 Japanese long green onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp vinegar
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp mirin
- A pinch chicken bouillon powder
- 1 tsp grated garlic (from a tube)
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Butterfly and Tenderize: Butterfly the chicken breast and cut it into two pieces. Cover with plastic wrap and gently pound each piece with a rolling pin to tenderize the meat. This step helps ensure the chicken remains juicy and tender after frying.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the tenderized chicken pieces in a shallow dish and rub in the marinade ingredients: salt, sugar, sake, vinegar, and grated garlic. Allow the chicken to marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. Afterwards, evenly coat each piece with potato starch to create a crispy coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 340°F (170°C). Add the chicken pieces skin-side down and fry for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip the pieces and cook for another 3 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Prepare the Scallion Sauce: While the chicken fries, combine the sauce ingredients—vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, mirin, chicken bouillon powder, grated garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil—in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture on 600W for 30 to 40 seconds. Then stir in the finely chopped Japanese long green onion to infuse fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Serve: Slice the fried chicken and drizzle generously with the warm scallion sauce. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of crispy chicken and tangy, aromatic sauce at their best.
Notes
- Use skin-on chicken breast for optimal crispy texture.
- Potato starch is essential for a light, crispy coating; cornstarch can be a substitute but may alter texture.
- Monitor oil temperature carefully to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
- The scallion sauce is best served warm to enhance its flavors.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar quantities in the sauce to taste if you prefer it sweeter or tangier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Keywords: Japanese chicken, fried chicken, scallion sauce, crispy chicken, potato starch, easy Japanese recipe

