How To Make Chicken Doria (Japanese Rice Gratin)

If you're fed up with just a simple gratin, why not try a Japanese rice gratin called “Doria”? Creamy, comforting, and irresistibly satisfying, Doria is a beloved dish in Japan that adds a uniquely Japanese twist to the Western-style gratin. Instead of pasta or potatoes, Doria features warm, flavorful rice baked under a luscious béchamel sauce, making it heartier and more filling than a typical gratin.

Doria belongs to the Yoshoku genre — Western-inspired dishes that were adapted and reinvented in Japan. Although it may look like an imported European dish, Doria was actually created in Japan and has since become a nostalgic staple enjoyed by people of all ages.

The widely accepted origin story dates back to 1927 at the Hotel New Grand in Yokohama, a legendary establishment known for giving birth to several iconic Yoshoku dishes, including Napolitan spaghetti and Pudding à la mode. The hotel’s French chef created Doria when a banker staying at the hotel fell ill and needed something gentle and easy to eat. To accommodate him, the chef crafted a comforting dish made by topping buttered rice with shrimp simmered in cream sauce, covering it with gratin sauce and cheese, and finishing it in the oven. This original creation was named “Shrimp Doria,” marking the very first Doria in Japan.

Over time, Doria grew in popularity and became a standard item at Yoshoku restaurants, family restaurants, and cafés nationwide. Today, you can easily find it on menus throughout Japan, and frozen ready-made versions are sold in supermarkets for a quick and satisfying meal at home. The dish has evolved into many variations — Chicken Doria, Seafood Doria, Curry Doria, and even vegetable-based versions — allowing everyone to find a style that suits their taste. At Saizeriya, a famous Italian-style family restaurant chain in Japan, the well-known “Doria alla Milanese” pairs meat sauce with white sauce for a wonderfully rich and harmonious flavor combination.

Even if you don’t have plans to visit Japan soon, you can still enjoy the comforting taste of Doria at home. Our Chicken Doria recipe uses chicken thigh as the main ingredient and involves simple steps, making it easy to prepare for lunch or dinner. Once you learn the basic method, you can easily customize it — swap chicken for shrimp or seafood, experiment with mushrooms or spinach, or replace butter rice with ketchup rice for a more vibrant and kid-friendly version. The possibilities are endless, and every variation still delivers that signature creamy, oven-baked deliciousness.

Doria is the perfect dish for cozy nights, weekend cooking, or satisfying comfort meals. Give it a try and savor the delightful flavors of your homemade Doria.

Doria is just one beloved example of Yoshoku cuisine, but there are many other Japanese-style Western dishes that have become household favorites across the country. Popular options include Omelet Rice (Omurice), Hayashi Rice, and Menchi Katsu, all of which are easy to prepare at home and often enjoyed by both children and adults. These dishes are comforting, approachable, and deeply rooted in everyday Japanese home cooking, so be sure to try making them as well.

If you’re interested in learning more about Japan’s Yoshoku culture and how Western-inspired dishes evolved into some of the country’s most iconic foods, don’t miss our article: “Yoshoku: Western In Origin, Possibly The Most Popular Japanese Food!” It’s a great read for diving deeper into this unique and delicious culinary tradition.