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Chicken Yakitori

Chicken Yakitori


  • Author: Maha Al-Sayed
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Juicy Japanese chicken skewers grilled to perfection and brushed with a savory-sweet tare glaze, perfect for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into cubes

  • ½ cup soy sauce

  • ¼ cup mirin (sweet rice wine)

  • ¼ cup sake (or dry white wine substitute)

  • 3 tablespoons sugar

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

  • Scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces (optional for negima style)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes


Instructions

  • In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Reserve a small portion for dipping.

  • Cut chicken thighs into cubes and season lightly with salt and pepper. Thread onto skewers, alternating with scallions if desired.

  • Preheat grill to medium-high. Place skewers on the grill, cooking 3 minutes per side. Brush with tare sauce after the first flip.

  • Continue grilling, flipping, and brushing until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred, 8–10 minutes total.

  • Transfer skewers to a platter, brush once more with sauce, garnish with scallions or sesame seeds, and serve hot.

Notes

Chicken thighs are recommended for juiciness, but chicken breast can be used for a leaner version.

Tare sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

For indoor cooking, use a broiler or grill pan.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2 skewers)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg