Introduction
Japanese Chicken Yakitori is a delicious and simple grilled chicken dish that brings restaurant style Japanese BBQ to your home. Bite-sized pieces of chicken (often thigh) are threaded onto skewers with scallions, cooked until lightly charred and then brushed with a glossy sweet-savory glaze made from soy sauce, mirin and sugar. Ideal for weeknight dinners, sharing at gatherings or a quick Japanese-inspired meal, this dish is flavorful, fun and surprisingly easy to make.
Prep Time: ~15 minutes
Cook Time: ~15 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4–5 scallions (green onions), cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 10–12 bamboo or metal skewers (if bamboo, soak in water 30 minutes)
For the Glaze (Tare): - ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons sake or dry sherry (optional)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Optional: ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
➜ If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
➜ In a small saucepan combine soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), brown sugar, garlic and ginger. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
➜ Thread chicken pieces and scallion pieces alternately onto skewers—about 3–4 chicken pieces and 2 scallion pieces per skewer. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
➜ Preheat grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or a wire rack over a baking sheet.
➜ Grill or broil skewers for about 3–4 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred. During the final 1–2 minutes, brush the glaze onto each side of the skewers.
➜ Remove skewers from heat and finish by brushing with a bit more glaze. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately, with rice or as part of a shared platter.
Pro Tips (FAQ-style)
Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh?
Yes—you can—but chicken thigh will remain juicier and more forgiving under high heat. If using breast, watch cooking time carefully to avoid drying out.
Can I cook these indoors?
Yes—use the broiler in your oven or a stovetop grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
What can I serve with yakitori?
Serve with steamed rice, cut vegetables, miso soup, pickles, or fresh salad to round out the meal.
Nutrition Summary
Grilled chicken skewers lightly seasoned and glazed with a sweet-savory sauce for a satisfying protein-rich meal.
Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar
1 skewer (approx) | ~120 kcal | ~10 g | ~5 g | ~6 g | ~0.5 g | ~3 g
Nutrition facts are estimated.
