- Debone the chicken legs, trimming off excess skin and fat.  If using chicken chops, cut off the joint. 
- Tie up the chicken legs using kitchen twine.   
- Heat up a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat.  When hot, add the chicken and sear, until browned on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. 
- In a large pot over medium high heat, add the water, konbu, shiitake mushrooms and chicken. 
- Bring the mixture to a boil.  When the water starts to steam, remove the konbu from the pot. 
- Add the sugar, salt, the soy sauces, sweet sauce and rice vinegar mixture.  Stir until the sugar is dissolved. 
- Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, uncovered, 25 minutes. 
- Remove the pot from heat, transfer the contents to a large bowl and let cool to room temperature. 
- Cover the surface of the chicken and braising liquid with a thick paper towel, to ensure the flavors are evenly absorbed by each piece of chicken. 
- When the chicken has cooled to room temperature, remove from the seasoning liquid, and snip off the kitchen twine. 
- Reserve the liquid in an airtight container, for use when making ramen eggs. 
- Slice into 1/4-inch slices and use as desired.  If not using immediately, store unsliced in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or up to a month in the freezer.