Yakitori chicken

Create authentic Japanese Yakitori Chicken at home with this easy recipe! Marinate chicken breasts in a delicious blend of sake, soy sauce, and ginger, then grill to perfection. Enhance the flavors with leeks for a mouthwatering dish everyone will love. Perfect for dinner parties or a savory weeknight meal!

  • 26 Mar 2025
  • Cook time 10 min
  • Prep time 25 min
  • 6 Servings
  • 7 Ingredients

Yakitori chicken

Yakitori chicken is a popular Japanese dish featuring skewered and grilled chicken that is typically seasoned with a savory-sweet sauce. This recipe provides a delightful balance between the delicate flavors of the chicken and the robust tastes of sake, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, Yakitori chicken is both simple to prepare and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sake
120g
1/2 cup soy sauce
140g
1 tbsp sugar
13g
1 garlic clove
3g
2 slices ginger root
4g
4 chicken breasts
920g
3 leeks leek
270g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, combine the sake, soy sauce, and sugar. Mix until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the minced garlic and finely chopped ginger root to the bowl. Stir to combine.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1.5-inch cubes.
- Place the chicken pieces into the bowl with the marinade. Ensure all pieces are well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for more flavorful results.
3. Prepare the Leeks:
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the leeks by cutting them into 1-inch pieces.
- Set them aside until ready for skewering.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning, or use metal skewers.
- Alternate threading the marinated chicken pieces and leek pieces onto the skewers.
5. Cook the Yakitori:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a slightly charred exterior. Brush the skewers with the leftover marinade occasionally during grilling to enhance the flavor.
6. Serve:
- Transfer the cooked yakitori to a serving plate.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or part of a main meal, accompanied by steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables, if desired.

Tips:

- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

- Cut chicken and leeks into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

- If you can't find sake, you can substitute with dry sherry or white wine.

- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.

- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat for optimal cooking results.

- Turn the skewers frequently while grilling to achieve a nice, even char.

- Brush the skewers with leftover marinade during grilling for extra flavor.

Yakitori chicken is a flavorful and enjoyable dish that's perfect for any occasion. With the right ingredients and a few simple tips, you can effortlessly recreate this Japanese favorite at home. Enjoy the unique blend of savory and sweet flavors as you savor each bite of this delightful grilled chicken.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size250 grams
Energy
Calories 260kcal13%
Protein
Protein 36g25%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 11g3%
Fiber 1.02g3%
Sugar 3.94g4%
Fat
Fat 4.30g5%
Saturated 0.90g3%
Cholesterol 110mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 50ug6%
Choline 130mg25%
Vitamin B1 0.18mg15%
Vitamin B2 0.33mg25%
Vitamin B3 16mg96%
Vitamin B6 1.39mg82%
Vitamin B9 45ug11%
Vitamin B12 0.32ug13%
Vitamin C 5mg6%
Vitamin E 1.27mg8%
Vitamin K 20ug17%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 44mg3%
Copper, Cu 0.13mg14%
Iron, Fe 1.88mg17%
Magnesium, Mg 77mg18%
Phosphorus, P 380mg31%
Potassium, K 710mg21%
Selenium, Se 36ug65%
Sodium, Na 1400mg93%
Zinc, Zn 1.32mg12%
Water
Water 180g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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