How to Make Convenience Store Fried Chicken (Famichiki Copycat Recipe)

Konbini (Japanese convenience stores) are a must-visit in Japan, known for their fun variety of food, drinks, and quick meals that make everyday life a little easier. Among the many popular items sold across all konbini, FamilyMart’s iconic “Famichiki” has earned a special place in the hearts of both locals and tourists since its debut in 2006. Its comforting aroma, freshly fried texture, and satisfying flavor make it one of the most beloved snacks in Japan. Today, I'll teach you a simple but delicious copycat recipe you can try at home so you can enjoy that familiar taste anytime you want.

Other convenience stores have their own unique takes on fried chicken as well. 7-Eleven offers “Nana-chiki” (with “Nana” meaning seven in Japanese), known for its juicy texture and bold seasoning, while LAWSON’s “L-chiki” is famous for its thick cut and satisfying crunch. With all these options available, you might wonder what sets Famichiki apart from the countless fried chicken recipes out there.

First, the distinctive shape. Famichiki is intentionally flat and thin, making it incredibly easy to hold and eat with one hand. This design makes it the perfect snack for busy commuters, students grabbing a quick bite, or anyone looking for something tasty without committing to a full meal. It fits neatly into sandwiches, works great as a topping for instant ramen, and makes an excellent companion to alcoholic drinks—especially beer.

Another standout feature is the light, crispy coating. Famichiki has a signature crunch that isn’t too heavy or oily. To recreate this texture, I blended a few different powders to mimic the original coating as closely as possible. The mixture creates crispness without sacrificing tenderness, and my recipe replicates that distinctive crunch using a specific frying technique—so don’t miss it!

Famichiki may look similar to “karaage” (Japanese fried chicken) at first glance, but they’re quite different. Karaage is typically seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, focusing on a juicy interior and deep flavor. Famichiki, however, uses a unique seasoning method and aims for a lighter, more uniform texture that pairs well with buns, rice, or even salads. Its flavor profile is milder but incredibly addictive.

According to the official website, Famichiki is made using chicken thigh for extra juiciness. For my recipe, however, I chose chicken breast because it’s easier to flatten evenly and cooks more consistently. To ensure the meat stays tender and moist, I added a special step to the preparation process that locks in the juices and prevents the chicken from drying out.

Famichiki is delicious on its own and doesn’t usually come with a dipping sauce, but FamilyMart has released various seasonal flavors over the years. Past varieties include dashi soy sauce, curry, salt & lemon, red chili, and consommé—each offering a fun twist on the classic taste. You can always try pairing your homemade version with similar seasonings for an extra flavor boost.

And don’t miss another viral combo: Famichiki and pancakes! This quirky but beloved combination pairs the savory chicken with “Hotcakeman,” fluffy hot pancakes sold at FamilyMart, layered with maple syrup and margarine to create the perfect sweet-and-salty match. It may sound unusual, but it’s surprisingly addictive.

Unfortunately, Hotcakeman is a seasonal item and wasn’t available when I tested this recipe, so I substituted it with “Funwari (fluffy) Hotcake,” a year-round item found in the bread section. The combo turned out amazing, so be sure to check it out in the final part of my recipe!

Of course, convenience store hot foods aren’t limited to fried chicken. You can also find warm snacks such as nikuman (Steamed Pork Buns), American-style corn dogs, and more—all perfect for a quick and comforting treat. In winter, be sure to try oden, a beloved seasonal dish simmered in flavorful broth. Items like daikon radish, konnyaku, shirataki noodles, and grilled tofu are packed with vegetables and fiber, making them filling yet surprisingly guilt-free.

And beyond hot foods, konbini are full of classic items you can enjoy any time of year. Whether it’s onigiri, sandwiches, desserts, or drinks, there’s always something new and delicious waiting on the shelves—so take your time exploring and discovering your favorites.