If you’re craving a flavorful and fun way to enjoy chicken, look no further than this Easy Chicken Yakitori Skewers Recipe. These succulent skewers bring together tender chicken thighs, a sweet-savory glaze, and the aromatic punch of fresh green onions, capturing the essence of authentic Japanese street food right at home. Perfect for grilling season or a casual dinner, this dish is as delightful to make as it is to eat, promising juicy bites and a glossy, irresistible sauce that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Chicken Yakitori Skewers Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, building layers of taste, texture, and color that transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering treat. From the umami-packed soy sauce to the zing of fresh ginger, every element is essential.
- Chicken thighs: 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless pieces, chosen for their juicy, tender texture.
- Soy sauce: ½ cup low-sodium version to keep things balanced without overwhelming saltiness.
- Mirin: ¼ cup, a sweet rice wine that adds complexity and caramel-like sweetness.
- Sake: ¼ cup, lending a subtle depth and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons, for that perfect touch of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Freshly grated ginger: 2 teaspoons, providing a warm, spicy brightness.
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced to infuse savory aroma and depth.
- Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon, to ensure the skewers stay moist and the chicken doesn’t stick.
- Green onions: 6 pieces cut into 1-inch lengths, adding fresh color and a mild onion crunch.
- Bamboo or metal skewers: Bamboo ones soaked for 30 minutes prevent burning and make handling easy.
How to Make Easy Chicken Yakitori Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Yakitori Sauce
Start by combining soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium until it just starts to simmer, then lower the heat and let it gently thicken for about 10 minutes. This reduction gives you a rich, glossy sauce bursting with balanced sweetness and umami notes. Set it aside to cool so the flavors can settle beautifully.
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
While the sauce cools, thread the chicken pieces and green onion segments alternately onto your skewers. This mix not only looks fantastic but helps each bite offer juicy chicken with bursts of fresh, slightly charred scallion. A light brush of vegetable oil keeps the meat moist and prevents sticking during grilling.
Step 3: Grill the Skewers
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat – the hot surface is key for that enticing sear and caramelization. Grill each skewer for about three minutes per side until the chicken is almost cooked. You’ll notice beautiful grill marks forming, which add a smoky depth and irresistible texture.
Step 4: Baste with Yakitori Sauce
Generously brush the chicken with your prepared yakitori sauce and continue grilling for another two to three minutes, turning and basting frequently. This step creates a glossy, sticky coating that locks in juiciness and amplifies the bold flavors. Remove from the heat and give a final brush of sauce to elevate every bite.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Yakitori Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few shreds of nori seaweed add visual interest and a nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the savory-sweet glaze. For a fresh pop, finely chopped fresh cilantro or a wedge of lime can brighten the dish and make the flavors dance on your palate.
Side Dishes
These skewers shine alongside simple steamed rice or a bowl of fluffy white jasmine rice, helping to soak up every bit of that luscious yakitori sauce. For veggies, a crisp cucumber salad or lightly pickled radishes add a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, grilled chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, arrange the skewers upright in a bamboo holder or line them up on a wooden board alongside small dipping bowls of extra yakitori sauce. You can also chop the grilled chicken and toss it into a noodle bowl or serve it over cauliflower rice to switch things up while staying deliciously authentic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the sauce separate, if possible, helps preserve the texture of the chicken, avoiding sogginess.
Freezing
Freeze uncooked assembled skewers by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with grilling as usual for that fresh-off-the-grill taste.
Reheating
Reheat cooked skewers gently in a warm oven or on a grill pan over medium heat. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken and dull the flavorful glaze. A quick brush of leftover yakitori sauce during reheating refreshes the taste and adds moisture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs offer more juiciness and richer flavor, chicken breast can work if you prefer leaner meat. Just watch your grilling time closely to avoid drying out the breast pieces.
What can I substitute if I don’t have mirin?
A mix of dry white wine and a teaspoon of sugar is a handy stand-in for mirin when you don’t have access to it. This combo mimics mirin’s sweetness and acidity quite well.
Are these skewers spicy?
This Easy Chicken Yakitori Skewers Recipe is mild and focuses on savory-sweet balance, but you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of spicy mayo if you want to introduce a kick of heat.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The yakitori sauce can be prepared days in advance and stored in the fridge. This actually helps deepen the flavors, making your final dish even more flavorful when it’s time to grill.
What grill settings work best for these skewers?
A medium-high heat works perfectly to sear the chicken quickly without burning the sauce. It ensures that the glaze caramelizes nicely while the inside stays juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about grilling these Easy Chicken Yakitori Skewers Recipe and sharing the experience with friends or family. The balance of sweet and savory, paired with tender chicken and fresh scallions, makes this a recipe you’ll return to time and again. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your home cooking rotation!
Print
Easy Chicken Yakitori Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
Chicken Yakitori is a classic Japanese grilled chicken skewer dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs marinated and basted in a savory-sweet yakitori sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Perfect as a main course or appetizer, it’s quick to prepare and delivers rich, glossy, flavorful bites.
Ingredients
Chicken and Skewers
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 6 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes)
Yakitori Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- ¼ cup sake
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Additional
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Yakitori Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the chicken pieces and green onion segments alternately onto the soaked bamboo or metal skewers. Brush each skewer lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking during grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough for quick searing.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes per side, turning occasionally until the chicken is nearly cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Brush with Yakitori Sauce: Generously brush the prepared yakitori sauce over the skewers and continue grilling for another 2 to 3 minutes. Keep basting and turning the skewers to develop a glossy, flavorful coating and ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and brush with any remaining sauce before serving. Serve hot, optionally over steamed rice or as an appetizer.
Notes
- For a more traditional version, you can include chicken skin or cartilage pieces on the skewers instead of just thighs.
- If mirin is not available, substitute it with a mixture of white wine and sugar to approximate the sweetness.
- These skewers can be served over steamed rice or enjoyed alone as appetizers.
