How Japanese Cook Incredibly Juicy and Tender CHICKEN BREAST(Soy-based Garlic Butter Sauce)

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to prepare incredibly juicy and tender pan-seared chicken breasts with a delicious soy-based garlic butter sauce. This recipe is straightforward and fool-proof, ensuring perfectly cooked chicken every time. Whether you're a novice or an experienced cook, this dish will impress your family and friends.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breast

• Butterfly the Chicken: Carefully slice the chicken breast horizontally without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket. This technique helps the chicken cook evenly.
• Pound the Chicken: Use the back of a knife or a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken breast to an even thickness. This ensures tender results.
• Marinate the Chicken:
  • Soak the chicken in 1 tablespoon of sake for 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature. This adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat.

Step 2: Make the Soy-Based Garlic Butter Sauce

• Combine Ingredients: While the chicken marinates, mix the following ingredients in a bowl:
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sake
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• Keep Butter Separate: Set aside 20 grams of butter for later use.

Step 3: Season and Coat the Chicken

• Dry the Chicken: After marinating, remove the chicken from the sake and pat it dry with paper towels.
• Season: Sprinkle 4 pinches of salt evenly over both sides of the chicken.
• Coat with Flour: Dredge the chicken in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, ensuring an even coating. Dust off any excess flour.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

• Heat the Pan: Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to a large pan and heat it over medium-low heat.
• Cook the Chicken:
  • Place the chicken in the pan and cook for 3 minutes. Press the chicken against the pan occasionally and rotate it at the 1.5-minute mark.
  • After 3 minutes, flip the chicken and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes. During this time, simply rotate the chicken at the 1.5-minute mark without pressing.
• Rest the Chicken: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring it remains moist.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

• Make the Sauce: While the chicken rests, wipe any excess oil from the pan. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and heat over medium-low until it starts boiling.
• Add Butter: Stir in the reserved butter and continue to stir until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Serve the Chicken

• Slice the Chicken: Cut the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces at a slight angle for presentation.
• Plate the Dish: Arrange the chicken pieces on a serving plate and generously spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top.

Conclusion

You've successfully made a delicious pan-seared chicken breast with a rich soy-based garlic butter sauce. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy your meal and consider pairing it with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal! Don't hesitate to experiment with additional seasonings or sides to make it your own. Happy cooking!