Chicken Karaage

Chicken Karaage is a popular Japanese dish featuring bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then coated in potato starch or flour and deep-fried until golden and crispy. It originated as a home-style cooking method in Japan, influenced by Chinese frying techniques, and is now a staple in izakayas, bento boxes, and street food stalls across the country.

🍳 View the full Chicken Karaage recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Chicken Karaage is high in protein from the chicken, but also contains significant fat due to deep-frying, with a moderate amount of carbs from the coating. A typical serving (about 100-150g) provides roughly 250-350 calories, along with nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and zinc from the meat.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	350 kcal
Protein	25 g
Carbs	15 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	550 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Potassium	280 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg
Zinc	1.8 mg
Vitamin B6	0.4 mg
Niacin (B3)	8 mg
Selenium	15 µg
Cholesterol	75 mg

Per 1 serving (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

What makes Chicken Karaage unique is its umami-rich marinade, which tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with deep flavor before frying, creating a contrast between the juicy interior and crunchy exterior. Nutritionally, while it's a fried dish, using potato starch instead of wheat flour can make it slightly lighter and crispier, and it's often enjoyed with lemon or cabbage to balance the richness.