Description
This Chicken Yakitori recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs skewered and grilled to perfection, glazed with a savory and slightly sweet traditional yakitori sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for an authentic Japanese-inspired main course, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress at any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Skewers
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Yakitori Sauce (Tare)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake (or substitute with dry white wine)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Instructions
- Prepare the Yakitori Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Thread the Chicken onto Skewers: Thread the chicken thigh pieces evenly onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Brush the chicken lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Preheat and Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. During the last few minutes of cooking, baste generously with the prepared yakitori sauce to create a glossy, flavorful glaze. Continue grilling until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely caramelized.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately. Drizzle extra yakitori sauce over the chicken if desired. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. Pair with steamed rice or fresh salads for a complete meal.
Notes
- Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- The yakitori sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Serve with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad to complement the flavors.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Adjust the sugar amount in the sauce to taste for sweetness preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
