Japanese Mum’s Chicken is a very famous dish in many Japanese homes. It is soft, juicy, and full of taste. The name “Mum’s Chicken” comes from the fact that many Japanese mothers make this for their children. It is cooked slowly, so the chicken becomes very soft and the sauce gets inside the meat. You don’t need to use many spices or oil. It is light, healthy, and good for all ages. People in Japan love it with rice and some pickles or boiled vegetables on the side. This dish is also perfect for those who want to try something new but simple.
Recipe Ingredients You Will Need
Here are the ingredients you need to make Japanese Mum’s Chicken:
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1 kg chicken drumsticks or thighs (with bone)
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1/2 cup soy sauce
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1/2 cup vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
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1/2 cup water
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2 tablespoons sugar
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2 garlic cloves (crushed)
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A small piece of fresh ginger (sliced)
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1 tablespoon cooking oil (any)
How to Prepare the Chicken
H3: Step 1 – Clean the Chicken
First, wash the chicken drumsticks or thighs with clean water. Remove any extra skin or fat if you want the dish to be less oily. Then dry the chicken with a kitchen towel or tissue paper. This helps the sauce stick better later.
H3: Step 2 – Prepare the Sauce
Now take a big bowl and mix the soy sauce, vinegar, water, and sugar in it. Stir well so the sugar melts. Add the crushed garlic and sliced ginger into the mix. This sauce is the heart of the recipe. It gives the chicken all its flavor and smell.
Recipe Cooking Instructions
Step 3 – Start Cooking the Chicken
Take a big cooking pan or deep pot. Pour 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and heat it on medium flame. Once hot, put the chicken pieces in the pan. Cook both sides for about 2 to 3 minutes until they are light brown. This helps lock in the juice.
Step 4 – Add the Sauce
Now, pour the sauce mixture into the same pan. Make sure all the chicken is covered with the sauce. If the sauce does not cover the chicken fully, add a little more water. Turn the flame to low and cover the pan with a lid.
Step 5 – Let It Simmer
Let the chicken cook slowly on low heat for about 30 to 40 minutes. Do not open the lid too often. The slow cooking makes the chicken very soft, and the sauce becomes thick and tasty. If the water dries up too fast, you can add a little more during cooking.
Also Read: How to Make Tasty Chicken Fried Rice at Home
How to Know When It’s Done
You will know the chicken is ready when the meat is soft and starts to come off the bone. The sauce will become thick and will stick to the chicken. The smell will also become very nice. You can taste a small piece to check if it’s cooked well.
How to Serve Japanese Mum’s Chicken
Japanese Mum’s Chicken is best served with plain white rice. The rice soaks up the tasty sauce and makes the dish even better. You can also serve it with boiled vegetables like carrots, green beans, or spinach. Some people like to add a boiled egg cut in half on the side. If you want, you can sprinkle a little sesame seed or chopped spring onion on top, but this is optional.
Japanese Mum’s Chicken Tips and Suggestions
This dish is great for kids and old people because it is not spicy. If you want to make it spicier, you can add a little red chili powder or chili flakes. But the original recipe is simple and soft. You can also keep the leftover chicken in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just heat it in the microwave or on the stove before eating. The taste becomes even better the next day.