If you are searching for a delightful way to bring fresh, vibrant flavors to your dinner table, the Chicken with Shiso Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This dish beautifully combines tender grilled chicken with the unique, aromatic punch of shiso leaves, creating a perfect harmony of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes. Every bite bursts with freshness enhanced by the subtle hints of garlic, soy, and sesame, making it an irresistible choice for a weeknight meal or a special gathering. Once you try this Chicken with Shiso Recipe, it will undoubtedly become one of your cherished go-to dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this dish shine, but don’t worry, they’re straightforward and easy to find. Each one adds a crucial layer of flavor, texture, or color that will make your chicken pop with deliciousness.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for shiso’s bright, herbal aroma while staying juicy and tender.
- 8 shiso leaves, finely chopped: This unique herb delivers a refreshing, slightly minty flavor that infuses the chicken beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a bold, aromatic depth that complements the shiso’s brightness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Offers a savory umami kick that balances out the fresh and sweet elements.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Brings a rich, nutty fragrance that elevates the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a gentle acidity that brightens the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon honey: A touch of sweetness to round out the savory flavors and enhance caramelization during grilling.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to lift and balance every bite.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Adds an appealing crunch and visual appeal with tiny toasted specks.
- Sliced green onions for garnish: Fresh, mild onion flavor to finish the dish with a pop of color.
How to Make Chicken with Shiso Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by gently seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step is crucial because it enhances the chicken’s natural flavor and sets the foundation for all the layers of taste to come.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
Next, in a bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey to create a vibrant, balanced marinade. Pour this fragrant mix over the chicken in a shallow dish, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and deeply penetrate the meat.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
While your chicken soaks up the delicious marinade, preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off, and discard the remaining marinade. Grill the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes on each side until the inside is no longer pink and the exterior is perfectly charred and juicy.
Step 4: Add the Shiso Leaves
In the last few minutes of grilling, sprinkle the finely chopped shiso leaves right over the chicken breasts. The heat will gently wilt the leaves, releasing their signature herbal fragrance and infusing the chicken with an extraordinary burst of freshness that makes this Chicken with Shiso Recipe so special.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once grilled to perfection, transfer the chicken to a serving platter and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and vibrant sliced green onions. These simple garnishes add a satisfying crunch and a pop of color that make the dish as visually appealing as it is flavorful.
How to Serve Chicken with Shiso Recipe
Garnishes
The sesame seeds and green onions recommended in the recipe aren’t just pretty—they add delightful texture and subtle bursts of flavor with every bite. Feel free to toss in some thinly sliced red chili or a drizzle of extra sesame oil to amp up the aroma and visual appeal even further.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best when paired with simple sides that let its unique flavor take center stage. Steamed jasmine rice, lightly sautéed greens like spinach or bok choy, or even a refreshing cucumber salad provide perfect complements without overpowering the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the grilled chicken and serve it atop a bed of crunchy greens with a drizzle of extra marinade as dressing. Alternatively, tuck the chicken and shiso into warm tortillas or flatbreads dressed with a smear of mayo or citrus aioli for an easy, flavor-packed wrap that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it covered well preserves moisture and flavor, so your Chicken with Shiso Recipe tastes just as fresh the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or using a freezer-safe container. Be sure to label it with the date so you remember to enjoy it while it’s at its best.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a damp paper towel to maintain juiciness. Avoid overheating which can dry out the meat and mute those lovely shiso flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other herbs instead of shiso?
While shiso has a very distinctive taste that defines this recipe, you can experiment with fresh basil or mint in a pinch. However, they will change the flavor profile, so try to find shiso if you want the authentic experience.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and the dish remains just as tasty and accessible for those avoiding gluten.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be firm to the touch, and juices should run clear when pierced with a fork or knife.
Can this recipe be made without a grill?
Yes! You can use a grill pan on the stove or even bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, then broil briefly to achieve a nice char on top.
Why is honey used in the marinade?
Honey adds a subtle sweetness and helps achieve a lovely caramelized crust on the chicken when grilled, enhancing both flavor and color.
Final Thoughts
Chicken with Shiso Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients, used thoughtfully, can transform a meal into something truly special. It’s a recipe that invites you to enjoy fresh herbs, bold marinades, and the beauty of grilled perfection all on one plate. Give it a try soon—you’re going to love sharing this vibrant, tasty dish with people you care about.
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Chicken with Shiso Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Chicken with Shiso recipe features tender, marinated boneless chicken breasts grilled to perfection and infused with the fresh, aromatic flavor of shiso leaves. The marinade, made with soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey, balances savory and sweet notes while the garnish of sesame seeds and green onions adds texture and color. A light and flavorful dish perfect for a contemporary Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 shiso leaves, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and prepare for marinating.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey. Place the chicken in a shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors fully develop.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to sear the chicken and develop grill marks.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, discard excess marinade, and grill for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through with no pink remaining inside.
- Add Shiso Leaves: During the last few minutes of grilling, sprinkle the finely chopped shiso leaves over the chicken breasts, allowing them to wilt and impart their distinctive flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill, transfer to a serving platter, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot alongside rice or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for longer than 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) for a more intense flavor.
- If a grill is not available, use a grill pan or a cast iron skillet to cook the chicken.
- Shiso leaves can be substituted with fresh basil if unavailable, but the flavor will differ slightly.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal.
