Description
Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers are a classic grilled dish featuring tender, marinated chicken thigh pieces threaded onto skewers with green onions. The chicken is marinated in a savory and slightly sweet blend of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, then grilled to perfection with a slightly charred glaze. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or part of a Japanese-inspired meal, these skewers are easy to prepare and full of authentic flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade & Chicken
- 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons sake (Japanese rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 green onions, cut into 1-inch lengths
For Grilling
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for grilling)
- Skewers (bamboo or metal)
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Make Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar until sugar dissolves completely to form a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces into the marinade and mix until thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat until hot.
- Skewer Chicken and Onions: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Thread chicken pieces and green onions alternately onto the skewers.
- Oil the Grill: Brush the grill grates or grill pan with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill Skewers: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until chicken is cooked through and grill marks appear.
- Glaze (Optional): In the last minute of grilling, brush skewers with leftover marinade that has been boiled to avoid contamination, adding a glossy finish.
- Rest and Serve: Remove skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes before serving to let juices redistribute.
Notes
- Soaking bamboo skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderizes the chicken.
- Boil leftover marinade before using as a glaze to ensure food safety.
- You can substitute chicken breast if preferred, but thighs remain juicier when grilled.
- Serve with steamed rice or a side of pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
