Juicy Chicken Yakitori: Sweet and Savory Skewers Recipe
Chicken Yakitori is a classic Japanese grilled chicken dish featuring tender chicken thighs skewered and glazed with a savory-sweet mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. It offers a delightful balance of smoky, caramelized flavors, perfect as a snack or a main dish alongside steamed rice or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 8 skewers) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Yakitori Sauce (Tare)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken thighs into evenly sized bite-size pieces, about 1 inch, so they cook uniformly on the grill.
- Make the Yakitori Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the chicken pieces firmly onto bamboo or metal skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 400°F (200°C) for optimal caramelization without burning.
- Grill and Glaze: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side. Flip the skewers, brush generously with the yakitori sauce, and cook another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze caramelizes.
- Repeat Basting: Flip once more and brush additional sauce on the chicken to build layers of flavor and achieve a glossy finish. Remove from grill when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and edges show a slight char.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot, ideally accompanied by steamed rice or grilled vegetables.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Use skin-on chicken thighs for added juiciness and flavor if preferred.
- You can add chopped scallions or sprinkle shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven spice) before serving for extra flavor.
- Adjust sugar amount in the sauce to your sweetness preference.
Keywords: Chicken Yakitori, Japanese grilled chicken, Yakitori sauce, grilled chicken skewers, Japanese appetizer
