Looking for something quick, comforting, and protein-packed after a busy day? This healthy oyako-don (Japanese chicken and egg rice bowl) is made with just chicken, onion, and eggs — no oil, no fuss, and full of flavor! The spicy kick adds a little excitement, but you can adjust it to your liking. Plus, cleanup is super easy with only one pot!
“Oyako” means “parent and child” in Japanese — a sweet name for a dish where chicken (the parent) and egg (the child) are cooked together in a savory broth and poured over steamed rice. It’s one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods, commonly made at home and served in casual restaurants.
Ingredients
| Steamed rice | 2 bowls |
| Chicken thigh | 300~350g / 10.5–12 oz |
| Salt | about 4 shakes on the chicken |
| Onion | 1/2 |
| Egg | 3 |
| ★Soy sauce (Kikkoman) | 2 tbsp |
| ★Mirin(Kikkoman) | 2 tbsp |
| ★Sake(Mizkan)(or dry white wine) | 1 tbsp |
| ★Brown sugar(or white sugar if you prefer) | 1 tbsp |
| ★Dashi powder (Ajinomoto brand) | 1/2 tsp |
| ★Water | 150 ml / 2/3 cup(US) / 5.07 fl oz |
| Red chili powder(S&B) optional | it’s spicy, so go easy at first! |
I included the brands I used in parentheses, but feel free to use any brand you like.
How to Make
1⃣ Prep your ingredients
Slice the onion thinly.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with a little salt.
(Optional: remove the skin if you prefer a lighter dish.)
2⃣ Start cooking
In a medium pot, add the onion and all the ★ seasoning ingredients.
Simmer over medium heat for about 2 minutes while stirring.
3⃣ Add the chicken
When the onion becomes slightly soft, add the chicken to the pot.
Stir, cover with a lid, and cook for about 3 minutes over medium heat.
(Check that the chicken is cooked through — larger pieces may take a bit longer.)
4⃣ Add some heat (optional)
If you like a little spice, sprinkle in some red chili powder — start small!
You can always add more while eating.
5⃣ Finish with eggs
Crack 3 eggs into a bowl and beat well.
Pour the eggs evenly over the bubbling mixture in the pot.
Cover with a lid and cook for about 1 minute.
When the eggs are halfway set on the surface, it’s ready to serve!
Serve the mixture hot over freshly steamed rice. Top with chopped green onion or a sprinkle of shichimi spice if you’d like!
- No onion? Use sliced green onion instead!
- No chicken thigh? Chicken breast works too — it’s leaner but still tasty.
- No sake? Dry white wine is a great alternative.
- No brown sugar? White sugar or even honey will do the trick.
- No chili powder? Try Cayenne Pepper or Crushed Red Pepper.
- Anyone avoiding oil but still craving a hearty protein dish
- People short on time who still want a home-cooked meal
- Those with just chicken, eggs, and rice in the fridge
- Anyone feeling tired and in need of a comforting meal with a kick!
Oyako-don is my go-to comfort dish when I feel tired or just want something simple and warm. One day I added a touch of chili powder and loved how the heat paired with the savory-sweet sauce — that’s how this spicy version was born!
If you try it, let me know how it turned out!
Tag me or share your photos on Twitter/X — I’d be so happy to see your version!
