Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Quick Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe


  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Authentic Japanese Chicken Yakitori made with juicy marinated chicken skewers glazed in a glossy, sweet-savory tare sauce and grilled to smoky perfection.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 56 boneless chicken breasts or 68 boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons mirin or red wine
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or distilled vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 67 wooden skewers, soaked

Instructions

  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 10–20 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, mirin, brown sugar, and vinegar.
  3. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Mix garlic, ginger, black pepper, and 1/4 cup of the sauce.
  5. Toss chicken in the marinade and let rest for 10 minutes.
  6. Simmer remaining sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
  7. Mix cornstarch with a little sauce and stir into saucepan until thickened.
  8. Thread chicken onto skewers.
  9. Grill or broil over medium-high heat for 8–12 minutes, turning and basting near the end.
  10. Cook until chicken reaches 165°F and sauce is caramelized.

Notes

Baste only during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent the sauce from burning and keep the chicken juicy.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 skewers
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: japanese chicken yakitori, yakitori chicken, chicken skewers, japanese grilled chicken