If you love grilled chicken, you will enjoy this Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe. Yakitori is a famous Japanese dish made with small chicken pieces.
It is simple to make at home and tastes amazing. This Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe is perfect for dinner or a snack.
You only need a few ingredients for authentic flavor. Follow this guide to learn how to make Japanese Chicken Yakitori. You will see it is fun and easy.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first tried making Japanese Chicken Yakitori on a weekend. I wanted something tasty and simple. The chicken cooked quickly and tasted just like the restaurants.
The sweet and savory sauce made every bite amazing. Skewering the chicken was fun and the grill gave it a smoky flavor.
Now, I make this recipe every month. My family loves it and it always disappears fast. This recipe is easy, fast and delicious.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Japanese Chicken Yakitori
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Grill or grill pan
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Small mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or brush for sauce
Ingredients You Need for Japanese Chicken Yakitori
- 500g chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp sake (optional)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 green onion, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Keep pieces similar for even cooking. - Soak Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak in water 20 minutes. This prevents burning. - Make the Sauce
Mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic and ginger in a small bowl. - Thread the Chicken
Carefully thread chicken pieces onto skewers. Leave a small gap between pieces. - Preheat the Grill
Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Oil lightly to prevent sticking. - Grill the Chicken
Place skewers on grill. Cook for 3–4 minutes on one side. - Turn the Skewers
Flip chicken skewers carefully. Grill for another 3–4 minutes. - Brush Sauce
Brush sauce on the chicken. Cook 1–2 minutes more. Repeat for extra flavor. - Check for Doneness
Chicken should be golden and cooked through. Juice should run clear. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped green onions. Serve immediately while hot and tasty.
Recipe Tips
- Cut chicken evenly for uniform cooking.
- Don’t overcook; chicken dries fast.
- Brush sauce multiple times for stronger flavor.
- Use metal skewers for indoor cooking.
- Let skewers rest 2 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Sugar | 4g |
Serving Suggestions
Japanese Chicken Yakitori is best served with steamed rice and a side salad. You can also enjoy it with pickled vegetables.
It works as a main meal or as a tasty snack with drinks. The sweet and savory sauce pairs well with light, fresh sides. Serve hot for the best taste.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Steamed jasmine or sushi rice
- Simple green salad with sesame dressing
- Pickled cucumber or radish
- Miso soup
- Edamame
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a grill pan or oven to keep smoky flavor.
Avoid microwaving too long; chicken can become dry. Leftovers taste best when brushed with a little extra sauce before reheating.
Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp sake optional
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 1 green onion chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Skewers
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Keep pieces similar for even cooking.
Soak Skewers
- If using wooden skewers, soak in water 20 minutes. This prevents burning.
Make the Sauce
- Mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic and ginger in a small bowl.
Thread the Chicken
- Carefully thread chicken pieces onto skewers. Leave a small gap between pieces.
Preheat the Grill
- Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Oil lightly to prevent sticking.
Grill the Chicken
- Place skewers on grill. Cook for 3–4 minutes on one side.
Turn the Skewers
- Flip chicken skewers carefully. Grill for another 3–4 minutes.
Brush Sauce
- Brush sauce on the chicken. Cook 1–2 minutes more. Repeat for extra flavor.
Check for Doneness
- Chicken should be golden and cooked through. Juice should run clear.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped green onions. Serve immediately while hot and tasty.
Notes
- Cut chicken evenly for uniform cooking.
- Don’t overcook; chicken dries fast.
- Brush sauce multiple times for stronger flavor.
- Use metal skewers for indoor cooking.
- Let skewers rest 2 minutes before serving.
FAQs about Japanese Chicken Yakitori
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier. Chicken breast may dry if overcooked.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead?
Absolutely! Make sauce a day before for stronger flavor. Store in fridge.
3. Can I cook yakitori indoors?
Yes, use a grill pan or broiler. Oil lightly to prevent sticking.
4. Can I add vegetables on skewers?
Yes, bell peppers, onions or mushrooms work well with chicken.
5. Is sake necessary for the sauce?
Sake adds flavor, but you can skip it. Just increase mirin slightly.
Conclusion
This Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe is easy, fun and tasty. You only need simple ingredients. Skewering and grilling is quick and gives a smoky flavor. The sauce is sweet, savory and full of flavor.
It is perfect for family meals or parties. Now you know how to make Japanese Chicken Yakitori at home. Try it today, and enjoy authentic Japanese taste easily!
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
