Go Back
–+ servings
Japanese Chicken Yakitori

Delicious Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers at Home

Enjoy the flavors of Japanese Chicken Yakitori, tender chicken skewers bathed in a luscious sauce, perfect for any gathering.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Soaking Time 20 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 4 skewers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Skewers
  • 1 pound Boneless Chicken (breast or thighs) The key protein providing tender and juicy bites.
  • 8 pieces Wooden Skewers Soak in water for 10–20 minutes to prevent burning.
For the Marinade
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh is preferred over garlic powder for best results.
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Fresh ginger is recommended.
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce Use tamari for gluten-free option.
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine or Mirin Adds sweetness and complexity.
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar Adjust based on your sweetness preference.
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar Provides acidity to balance sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Mix with a little sauce to avoid clumping.
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Water Used to create the right sauce consistency.

Equipment

  • grill
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Meat Mallet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Soak the wooden skewers in water for 10-20 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, water, red wine or mirin, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Whisk until dissolved.
  3. Trim any excess fat from the chicken and cut into 1-2 inch pieces.
  4. Mix minced garlic, fresh ginger, and black pepper with reserved yakitori sauce. Add chicken and marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  5. Bring the remaining sauce to a boil. Mix cornstarch with a bit of the sauce, then add back to thicken.
  6. Preheat the grill to medium-high. Thread marinated chicken onto soaked skewers and grill for 8-12 minutes, basting with sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1skewerCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients and marinate chicken longer for more flavor infusion.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!