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1
Combine the soy sauce, mirin, vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger in a large, nonreactive bowl.
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2
If using chicken breasts, cut them in half.
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3
Add all of the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat.
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4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 1/2 hours, or overnight.
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5
Heat the oven to 350 degrees F and arrange a rack in the middle.
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6
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; set aside.
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7
Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and arrange them skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
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8
Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest chicken piece reads 160 degrees F to 165 degrees F and the meat near the bone is no longer pink, about 30 to 40 minutes.
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9
Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack and let the chicken cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
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10
(The chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day at this point.)
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11
Meanwhile, make the yuzu mayonnaise, if using.
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12
Whisk all of the ingredients together in a medium bowl.
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13
Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
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14
When the chicken is ready, heat the oil in a Dutch oven or a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F on a deep-frying/candy thermometer.
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15
Set a wire rack over a second baking sheet; set aside.
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16
While the oil is heating, place 1 cup of the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish; set aside.
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17
Whisk together the remaining all-purpose flour, rice flour, furikake, and salt in a medium bowl.
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18
Slowly whisk in the sparkling water until you have a light, smooth batter; set aside.
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19
When the oil is ready, coat 3 of the chicken pieces with the reserved flour and shake off the excess.
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20
Dip each piece in the batter, let the excess drip off, and place in the oil.
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21
Fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes.
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22
Using a slotted spoon or spider, remove the chicken to the rack on the prepared baking sheet.
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23
Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
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24
Serve immediately with the yuzu mayonnaise, if using.