Description
Easy Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers bring the authentic flavors of Japanese street food right into your kitchen. Juicy chicken thighs grilled with a savory-sweet soy glaze make for a quick, customizable, and crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into 1 to 1.5 inch pieces
- 4–5 green onions, sliced into 1 to 1.5 inch lengths
- 8–10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Yakitori Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (substitute tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tbsp sake (or dry white wine or water as substitute)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Skewers: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches for even cooking and juiciness. Slice green onions into similar lengths. Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Make the Yakitori Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Add minced garlic if desired. Simmer over medium heat until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly to form a tangy, sweet glaze.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread chicken pieces and green onions alternately onto soaked skewers, balancing flavor and visual appeal.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat grill, grill pan, or broiler to medium-high heat. Cook skewers for 3-4 minutes on each side, brushing generously with yakitori sauce during the last few minutes to caramelize and glaze the meat.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove skewers from heat and brush with a final layer of sauce for shine. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Marinate chicken briefly in yakitori sauce for 15-20 minutes before skewering for enhanced flavor.
- Cut chicken and vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender skewers compared to breasts.
- Brush sauce often during grilling to build rich layers of flavor and a glossy finish.
- Let cooked skewers rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Yakitori, Japanese chicken skewers, grilled chicken, soy glaze, easy Japanese recipe, Asian appetizer, gluten-free yakitori
