Go Back
–+ servings
Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers

Delicious Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers for Home Cooks

These Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers are quick to prepare and deliver a savory-sweet experience that's perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 1 minute
Total Time 21 minutes
Servings: 4 skewers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce swap with tamari for gluten-free
  • 1/4 cup sake substitutes include dry white wine or apple juice
  • 2 tablespoons mirin agave syrup is a great alternative
  • 1 tablespoon sugar balances flavors
For the Skewers
  • 1 pound boneless chicken thighs skinless thighs ensure tenderness
  • 4 pieces green onions trim and cut into 2-inch lengths
  • 8 pieces bamboo skewers soak in water before grilling
  • to taste salt essential seasoning
  • to taste pepper essential seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil optional for brushing before grilling
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional garnish

Equipment

  • grill
  • medium bowl
  • resealable plastic bag
  • bamboo skewers

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar until fully dissolved.
  2. Place chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag, pour the marinade over, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  3. While the chicken marinates, soak bamboo skewers in water for about 30 minutes.
  4. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  5. Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350°F to 400°F.
  6. Thread the marinated chicken and green onion onto soaked bamboo skewers.
  7. Lightly sprinkle the skewers with salt and pepper, and brush with sesame oil if desired.
  8. Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, baste with leftover marinade.
  9. Allow the skewers to rest for about 1 minute before serving.
  10. Sprinkle finished skewers with sesame seeds and serve warm with soy sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

Serving: 1skewerCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 200mgSugar: 2gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for the best flavor. Feel free to swap chicken for tofu or seitan for dietary preferences.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!