How to Make Chicken Karaage Bento

Crispy and juicy! Everyone’s favorite classic main dish.

When it comes to classic Japanese bento dishes, chicken karaage (Japanse fried chicken) is at the top of the list. Marinated in soy sauce, this crispy fried chicken stays delicious even after it cools and pairs perfectly with rice. For the side dishes, we’ve included hearty scrambled eggs and two light vegetable items, creating a well-balanced and satisfying bento.

chicken thigh (or breast) – 100 g (3.5 oz.)
sake (cooking sake) – 1/2 Tbsp
Kikkoman Soy Sauce – 1/2 Tbsp
flour – 2 Tbsp
deep-frying oil – as  needed

egg – 1
salt – a pinch
cooking oil – 1 tsp

cucumber – 30 g (1.1 oz.)
salt – a pinch
Genovese sauce – 1/4 tsp

green beans – 3–4
olive oil – 1 tsp
dried oregano – a pinch
salt and pepper – to taste

cooked rice – 150 g (5.3 oz.)
umeboshi / pickled Japanese apricots – 1
white sesame seeds – as desired

Calories and Cooking Time

Prepare the Bento Dishes

1. 1Trim off the stems of the green beans and cut them into three equal pieces.

1. 2Thinly slice the cucumber, place it in a bowl, add salt, and mix lightly. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.

1. 3Cut the chicken into 6 pieces and put them in a bowl. Add 1/2 Tbsp of sake and 1/2 Tbsp of Kikkoman Soy Sauce, then massage until the liquid is absorbed.

1. 4Add about 1 cm (0.4 in.) of water to a fry pan and bring it to a boil. Add the green beans from step 1 and blanch for 1–2 minutes. Transfer to cold water to cool, then drain well.

1. 5Put the green beans in a bowl and mix with 1 tsp of olive oil, a pinch of oregano, and a little salt and pepper.

1. 6Crack the egg into a separate bowl, season with salt, and beat lightly.

1. 7Heat oil in a fry pan over medium heat, pour in the egg mixture, and scramble with chopsticks until cooked. Transfer to a plate to cool.

1. 8Drain any liquid from the chicken from step 3 and discard it. Add 1 Tbsp of flour and coat the chicken. Once the flour is absorbed, add the remaining 1 Tbsp of flour and coat again.
   
   • TipsThe first coating of flour locks in the flavor, while the second creates a crispy finish.

1. 9Add about 1 cm (0.4 in.) of oil to a fry pan and heat to 170°C (338°F). Add the chicken and cook for 2 minutes, flip, and fry for another 2 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to cool.

1. 10Place the salted cucumber from step 2 onto paper towels and squeeze out the excess moisture.

Pack the Bento

1. 1Fill one side of the bento box with rice and let it cool.

1. 2Fill half of the remaining space with the Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken).

1. 3Add the scrambled eggs. It’s fine if they slightly overlap onto the rice.

1. 4In the leftover space, put the salted cucumber and the green beans marinated with oregano. Drizzle a little Genovese sauce over the cucumber.

1. 5Top the rice with roasted sesame seeds and a small pickled Japanese apricot (umeboshi). 

*　The steps are arranged to prepare multiple dishes at once for efficiency.

With just a few easy tips, packing a bento can be fun, stress-free, and beautifully organized!

A Beginner’s Guide to Delicious Bento Recipes

“Bento” refers to Japan’s traditional lunch box. It typically includes rice, a protein, and vegetables, all neatly arranged in one container. Nutritious, colorful, and exciting to open—bento is something you can truly enjoy. Let’s get started!

• Related Information:
• What is Bento? A Beginner’s Guide to Delicious Bento Recipes

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About the Recipe Author

Yuko Ihara

Having lived in England and the U.S., Yuko Ihara is well-versed in a wide range of culinary genres. As a culinary researcher, she creates dishes for magazines and books, develops corporate menus, and also engages in product development and food consulting. She introduces easy-to-follow tips on how to make delicious food at home, emphasizing the importance of seasonality and healthful eating. When travelling, she loves to search for delicious vegetables and ingredients.

Instagram: @iharayukoo

Published on Mar 24, 2026   Written by Yuki Asanomi