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Japanese-Inspired Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl Recipe

4.8 from 64 reviews

This Japanese Inspired Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl features tender pan-fried chicken thighs simmered in a savory dashi-based sauce with silky, softly cooked eggs poured on top, all served over warm rice. The combination of soy, vegetarian oyster sauce, and mirin creates a rich umami flavor, complemented by the gentle sweetness from the eggs and the aromatic onion sautéed in the chicken juices. This comforting dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 boneless chicken thighs (about 600 g total)
  • 1.5 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

Sauté and Sauce

  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil (such as avocado or canola oil)
  • ¾ cup dashi (chicken or vegetable stock)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce)
  • 1 tbsp mirin (or ½ tbsp sugar as substitute)

Egg Mixture

  • 4 eggs, lightly beaten

Garnish

  • Green onion, chopped

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the boneless chicken thighs with 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce, and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Coat evenly with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, mixing well to cover each piece thoroughly.
  2. Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken thighs and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and approximately 80% cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
  3. Sauté the Onion: In the same pan, add the sliced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened. This process allows the onion to absorb the savory flavors left from the chicken.
  4. Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour in ¾ cup of dashi stock, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon mirin (or substitute half a tablespoon sugar) into the pan. Stir the mixture well, then add the chicken back into the pan. Let everything simmer together gently for about 4 minutes, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.
  5. Finish with Eggs: Lower the heat to low. Gradually pour the 4 lightly beaten eggs around the chicken in the pan. Cover with a lid and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the eggs are just set and have a silky texture.
  6. Serve: Spoon the chicken, onion, and egg mixture along with the glossy sauce over warm bowls of steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onion for a fresh and vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Use vegetarian oyster sauce to keep this dish vegetarian-friendly if preferred.
  • The eggs should be poured slowly and cooked gently to maintain their silky texture.
  • Mirin can be substituted with sugar if mirin is not available.
  • Adjust soy sauce quantity for sodium preference.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture of the eggs and chicken.
  • Use a good-quality dashi stock for authentic umami flavor; vegetable dashi works well for a pescatarian version.

Keywords: Japanese chicken rice bowl, egg rice bowl, dashi chicken bowl, pan-fried chicken, umami chicken recipe