If you’re craving something crispy, savory, and packed with flavor, this Garlic Furikake Chicken is exactly what you need! This dish combines the crunch of perfectly fried chicken with the umami-packed seasoning of furikake and a sweet garlic soy sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that pairs beautifully with rice or can be served as an appetizer for a crowd.

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The magic lies in the combination of the sweet garlic sauce and the furikake seasoning, a Japanese blend of sesame seeds, nori (seaweed), and dried fish flakes that adds a unique savory touch. Every bite of this crispy chicken is filled with flavor, making it a new favorite in your rotation.

Fun Fact: The Origin of Furikake

Furikake was originally created in Japan as a way to add extra nutrients and flavor to rice dishes. The word “furikake” means “to sprinkle” in Japanese, and it’s commonly used to sprinkle over rice, fish, and vegetables to boost umami. With ingredients like sesame seeds and nori, it adds a delicious and unique taste that’s now loved around the world!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover Garlic Furikake Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can crisp it up in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or warm it in the microwave for a quicker option, though the microwave may soften the chicken’s crunch. It’s best served immediately for maximum crispiness.

Cooking Tips

If you want to add a little more heat to this dish, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or drizzle a bit of sriracha into the garlic sauce. To make it extra crispy, you can coat the chicken twice in the flour before frying. For a healthier version, you can air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying, but you may lose a bit of that signature crunch!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 510 kcal
• Fat: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 28g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 1020mg
• Fiber: 2g

This Garlic Furikake Chicken delivers an irresistible combination of flavors and textures, making it the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy.

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Garlic Furikake Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Garlic Sauce:

• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• 4 teaspoons sugar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken:

• Oil for frying
• 1 ½ lb boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
• ¾ cup flour
• ¼ cup furikake seasoning
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
   In a small saucepot, heat the brown sugar, soy sauce, white sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Heat the Oil for Frying:
   In a large pan, pour enough oil to cover about half an inch of the bottom and heat over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, insert a wooden spoon or chopstick into the oil; if bubbles form around it, the oil is hot enough for frying.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
   Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, coat the chicken pieces evenly with flour, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered.
4. Fry the Chicken:
   Once the oil is hot, carefully place the flour-coated chicken pieces into the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. Toss with Furikake:
   Once the chicken has drained, toss the pieces in the furikake seasoning while still warm, coating each piece generously.
6. Serve:
   Drizzle the prepared garlic sauce over the fried chicken or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions for a pop of freshness and extra flavor. Serve with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal.

Optional Variations

For a slightly different twist, try swapping out the furikake seasoning for togarashi, a Japanese spice blend that adds a little heat. You can also use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option, though thighs tend to stay juicier when fried. If you want to add more veggies, sauté some bell peppers or broccoli to mix into the dish!