Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe
If you love grilled chicken, you will enjoy this Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe. Yakitori is a famous Japanese dish made with small chicken pieces.
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.