Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe
There is something irresistibly satisfying about a perfectly grilled skewer of chicken glazed in a shiny, savory-sweet sauce, which is exactly what makes this Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe an absolute must-try. With tender chicken bites marinated in fragrant garlic and ginger, then grilled and basted with a luscious soy-based sauce that caramelizes beautifully, you get a meal that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family dinner, or a friendly gathering, this recipe shines with simplicity and flavor, making every bite a small celebration of Japanese culinary charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe calls for ingredients that are straightforward yet essential, each playing a crucial role in building its signature flavor profile. From the savory depth of soy sauce to the sweet hint of brown sugar, every element works harmoniously to create that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami that makes yakitori so addictive.
- Boneless chicken breast or thighs: Choose thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites or breast for leaner meat; cut into 1–2 inch chunks for even grilling.
- Soy sauce: The backbone of the marinade and glaze that adds salty richness and authentic Japanese flavor.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the beautifully caramelized glaze on the chicken.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the chicken with a fragrant, savory kick that wakes up the palate.
- Fresh ginger, minced: Provides a zesty, warm undertone that brightens the marinade.
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water): Prevents burning during grilling and keeps your chicken pieces securely threaded.
- Cornstarch slurry: Used to thicken the sauce into a luscious glaze perfectly coating each skewer.
How to Make Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Skewers and Marinade
Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for about 10 to 20 minutes to ensure they won’t burn when grilled. In the meantime, prepare the marinade by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger in a bowl. This marinade is where the magic begins, infusing the chicken with layers of flavor that are both bold and balanced.
Step 2: Marinating the Chicken
Trim and cut your chicken into bite-sized 1 to 2 inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Toss the chicken chunks into your marinade and let them soak up all of that garlicky, gingery goodness for at least 10 minutes. If you have time, letting them sit longer allows the flavors to deepen beautifully.
Step 3: Preparing the Glaze
While the chicken is marinating, pour the remaining marinade into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer. Thicken the sauce by stirring in a cornstarch slurry until it becomes a sticky, shiny glaze. This step is crucial because it creates that perfect coating that clings lovingly to each chicken piece as it grills.
Step 4: Threading and Grilling the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your soaked skewers, packing them just right to grill evenly. Place the skewers on a medium-high grill and cook for about 8 to 12 minutes total, turning and basting with the thickened sauce regularly. This basting makes each piece irresistibly glossy and full of rich flavor with a slightly charred, caramelized finish.
How to Serve Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe
Garnishes
The best garnishes for this dish keep it fresh and vibrant—think chopped green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or even a small drizzle of Japanese mayonnaise. These additions not only add layers of texture but also brighten the rich glaze and balance each bite perfectly.
Side Dishes
Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides like steamed white rice, crisp cucumber salad, or even a simple miso soup. These sides help keep the meal balanced and let the yakitori remain the star of the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, arrange the skewers artistically on a wooden platter alongside small bowls of extra sauce and pickled vegetables. You can also serve them over a bed of fluffy rice or in lettuce cups for a handheld, finger-food style dish that’s perfect for parties or casual dinners with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen, making for a delicious next-day meal or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked yakitori skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen, they remain good for about a month. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain their juicy texture.
Reheating
Reheat your skewers gently in a low oven or on a grill pan to avoid drying out the chicken. Baste again with any reserved glaze to revive that glossy, sticky finish and enjoy the yakitori just as much the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, boneless chicken breasts work just fine. Just be careful not to overcook them so they remain tender and moist.
What is the purpose of soaking the wooden skewers before grilling?
Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning or catching fire when exposed to high heat on the grill. It also helps the skewers stay sturdy during cooking.
Can I use store-bought yakitori sauce instead of making the glaze?
You can, but making your own sauce allows you to control the sweetness and spice level, and it delivers a fresher, more potent flavor that really brings the Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe to life.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
While 10 minutes is the minimum, marinating the chicken for up to a few hours can intensify the flavors beautifully. If short on time, even a quick soak will infuse plenty of taste.
Is this recipe suitable for indoor cooking?
Yes! You can easily use a grill pan or broiler in your oven to cook the skewers indoors, making this recipe versatile year-round regardless of the weather.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen arsenal. The combination of the tender, flavorful chicken with that irresistibly glossy glaze makes for a truly memorable dish that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. So grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and enjoy every bite of this deliciously authentic taste of Japan!
Print
Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (6-7 skewers) 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Japanese Chicken Yakitori is a delicious grilled chicken skewers recipe featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in a flavorful soy sauce-based glaze with garlic and ginger, then grilled to perfection and basted with a sweet and savory thickened sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 5–6 pieces boneless chicken breast or 6–8 pieces boneless chicken thighs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 6–7 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 10–20 minutes)
Sauce
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp red wine or mirin
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water)
Instructions
- Soak Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 10–20 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, water, red wine or mirin, brown sugar, and vinegar until the sugar dissolves completely, creating the marinade and baste sauce.
- Marinate Chicken: Trim and cut the chicken into 1–2 inch chunks. In a bowl, combine the chicken with minced garlic, minced ginger, ground black pepper, and a portion of the prepared sauce. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Thicken Sauce: Pour the remaining sauce into a saucepan and cook over medium heat. Add the cornstarch slurry gradually and stir until the sauce thickens to a glaze consistency suitable for basting.
- Grill Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 8–12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the thickened sauce to build layers of flavor and achieve a beautiful glaze.
Notes
- Soaking skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful skewers; chicken breast works well for leaner options.
- Mirin adds sweetness and a subtle tang, but red wine can be substituted if unavailable.
- If you don’t have a grill, the skewers can be broiled or cooked on a grill pan indoors.
- The thickened sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Japanese chicken yakitori, grilled chicken skewers, yakitori recipe, Japanese cuisine, chicken marinade, soy ginger chicken
