Japanese chicken yakitori

Discover the authentic flavors of Japanese Chicken Yakitori with our easy recipe! Savory chicken thighs marinated in a blend of soy sauce, chicken gravy, mirin, and sugar, skewered with fresh scallions, and grilled to perfection. Perfect for a delicious and festive meal that's sure to impress. Explore our step-by-step guide to make this traditional favorite at home!

  • 22 Jan 2025
  • Cook time 11 min
  • Prep time 40 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 6 Ingredients

Japanese chicken yakitori

Yakitori is a classic Japanese dish consisting of skewered and grilled chicken, often enjoyed at izakayas or Japanese street food stalls. Our Japanese Chicken Yakitori recipe combines tender, savory chicken thighs with a flavorful soy-based marinade, creating the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavor. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a delicious and authentic meal at home.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup soy sauce
120g
1/4 cup chicken gravy
50g
1/3 cup mirin
72g
1/4 cup sugar
50g
12 chicken thighs
1200g
1 cup scallions
50g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, chicken gravy, mirin, and sugar.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the sauce begins to thicken slightly. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside to cool. This will be your yakitori glaze.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- While the sauce is cooling, cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers, alternating with pieces of scallion. Each skewer should have a mix of chicken and scallions, and not be overcrowded.
4. Grill the Yakitori:
- Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, turning frequently to prevent burning.
- While grilling, brush the skewers with the yakitori glaze frequently, allowing the sauce to coat and caramelize on the chicken.
5. Finish and Serve:
- Continue to grill and baste until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice, slightly charred appearance, about 10-12 minutes total.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and give them one final brush with the glaze.
6. Serving Suggestion:
- Serve the yakitori skewers hot, with any remaining glaze on the side for additional dipping.
- They pair well with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables, or as a savory appetizer at a party.

Tips:

- Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

- Cut the chicken thighs into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- If you don't have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil the skewers in the oven.

- Baste the chicken with the marinade several times during grilling to enhance the flavor.

- Serve the yakitori immediately while they are hot and juicy for the best taste.

This Japanese Chicken Yakitori recipe is not only simple to make but is also an excellent way to enjoy authentic Japanese flavors right at home. The smoky, savory skewers, paired with the sweet and salty marinade, are sure to be a hit with friends and family. Serve your yakitori with steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size390 grams
Energy
Calories 740kcal37%
Protein
Protein 50g35%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 16g5%
Fiber 0.49g1%
Sugar 13g13%
Fat
Fat 50g59%
Saturated 14g46%
Cholesterol 290mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 70ug8%
Choline 140mg26%
Vitamin B1 0.24mg20%
Vitamin B2 0.50mg38%
Vitamin B3 15mg91%
Vitamin B6 1.10mg65%
Vitamin B9 16ug4%
Vitamin B12 1.86ug78%
Vitamin C 1.02mg1%
Vitamin E 0.64mg4%
Vitamin K 6ug5%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 33mg3%
Copper, Cu 0.18mg20%
Iron, Fe 2.53mg23%
Magnesium, Mg 80mg18%
Phosphorus, P 530mg42%
Potassium, K 770mg23%
Selenium, Se 54ug104%
Sodium, Na 1940mg129%
Zinc, Zn 4.17mg38%
Water
Water 240g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

More recipes

Beef rissoles

Perfect for family dinners or a comfort food craving.

24 Mar 2025

Whole spiced chicken

This easy, mouth-watering recipe is perfect for a family dinner or festive gathering.

04 Mar 2025

Chicken breasts with mushroom cream sauce

Perfect for a comforting dinner.

27 Feb 2025

Coconut date bars

Try them today.

17 Mar 2025

Chicken and spinach pasta bake

Easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

22 Jan 2025

Air fryer chicken schnitzel

Enjoy crispy, golden perfection in minutes with the magic of your air fryer.

25 Jan 2025

Little pies with sweet potato topping

Perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal that everyone will love.

20 Jan 2025

Vegetable curry

Perfect for a cozy, nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfies all your cravings in just one pot.

19 Apr 2025

Posts