Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe
Japanese Chicken Yakitori is a flavorful and easy-to-make grilled dish featuring tender chicken skewers coated in a sweet-savory yakitori sauce. Perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or casual get-togethers, this dish is both delicious and versatile. Whether served over rice or as appetizers, these yakitori skewers impress with their mouthwatering caramelized finish and authentic Japanese flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Skewers
- 5–6 pieces boneless chicken breast or 6–8 pieces boneless chicken thighs
- 6–7 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 10–20 minutes)
Marinade and Sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced or 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 tbsp red wine or mirin (Japanese rice wine)
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp distilled vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 10–20 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Make the Yakitori Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, water, red wine or mirin, brown sugar, and vinegar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely to create the base sauce.
- Prep the Chicken: Trim any excess fat or cartilage from the chicken, cut into 1–2 inch chunks, and lightly pound to tenderize for even cooking.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, ginger, ground black pepper, and 1/4 cup of the prepared yakitori sauce. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 10 minutes, or longer for deeper flavor.
- Cook and Thicken the Sauce: Pour the remaining sauce into a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tbsp of sauce to form a slurry, then stir it into the boiling sauce. Simmer until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency, then remove from heat.
- Grill the Chicken Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers. Grill or broil over medium-high heat for 8–12 minutes, turning occasionally. Baste regularly with the thickened sauce to achieve a glossy, caramelized finish. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning during grilling.
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight for more intense flavor.
- Maintain medium-high grill temperature to avoid burning while ensuring caramelization.
- Regularly baste chicken with sauce during grilling for moisture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Japanese Chicken Yakitori, grilled chicken skewers, yakitori sauce, Japanese recipe, easy chicken recipe, barbecue chicken, sweet savory chicken, grilled skewers
Find it online: https://recipeswithria.com/japanese-chicken-yakitori-recipe/
