Japanese fried chicken has a super crispy coating and the juiciest texture. Learn the classic marinade recipe to create the best tasting fried chicken!

When I dine at a Japanese restaurant, I order chicken karaage every single time. Japanese style fried chicken uses cuts of chicken thigh to create the juiciest texture. It also has a very special coating that is quite thin, crunchy, and crispy.

The key to making the most flavorful and tender chicken is to marinate the thighs with tons of herbs and a soy-sauce-based liquid. The ginger in the marinade will help tenderize the chicken and give it extra juiciness.

If you are considering cooking this recipe with chicken breast, I have a suggestion. Don’t do it. Although the results may be delicious, you will miss out on the silky texture that can only come from dark meat.

I used skin-on boneless thighs to make this dish, to achieve the most authentic flavor. The fried skin will be so crispy that you can even break it apart by hand. I had to spend a little extra time deboning the thighs, but it was totally worth it. Of course, if this is too much trouble for you, use skinless boneless thigh instead.

The other key to creating perfect fried chicken is to fry in small batches so the oil temperature doesn’t drop too much. This will ensure a crispy coating without overcooking the meat. The frying process will take a bit of time, but let me tell you how to make it easier. Open a cold bottle of beer and play your favorite show during cooking. And of course, snack on some freshly cooked chicken. ;)

Happy cooking!