She Strengthens

Quick and Easy Weeknight Chicken Recipe

A Flavorful Twist on Traditional Chicken

Looking for a quick and easy recipe to spice up your weeknight dinner routine? Look no further! This mouthwatering chicken dish is inspired by Japanese flavors and can be ready in just 45 minutes.

The Marinade: A Key to Success

The secret to this recipe lies in the marinade, which is derived from Japanese bottled Ponzu. If you don’t have Ponzu in your pantry, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with a mixture of lime and lemon juice. Feel free to experiment with the amounts to suit your taste preferences.

Gather Your Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 2 chicken breasts with skin on, split into halves
• 3 tablespoons of bottled Ponzu or lime and lemon juice mixture
• 3 tablespoons of light Japanese soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of water
• 4 cloves of unpeeled garlic, crushed with a bit of cooking oil
• Salt to cover the chicken breasts (about 2 tablespoons)
• Toasted sesame oil (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Marinate and Season

Brush the Ponzu mixture onto the chicken breasts, making sure to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle salt generously over the breasts. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but marinating for 30-60 minutes will definitely enhance the flavors.

Step 2: Roast to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 425F and place the chicken breasts in a small cast-iron skillet or similar pan. Add the crushed garlic to the pan and roast for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is nicely browned.

Step 3: Create the Dipping Sauce

Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board to rest for a few minutes. Place the skillet with the drippings over medium heat, discarding the garlic. Add the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of Ponzu to the skillet. Boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust the sauce to your liking, adding more water if needed.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the chicken breasts into half-inch slices and arrange them in your serving dish. Pour the dipping sauce around the breasts and add a drizzle of toasted sesame oil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of Japan!