Perfectly Grilled Chicken Yakitori Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Yakitori is a simple and flavorful Japanese grilled chicken dish, perfect for a quick meal or entertaining guests. This recipe combines tender chicken with a savory soy and garlic glaze for a deliciously satisfying bite.

Ingredients
- 500g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic to create the basting sauce.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Step 4: While grilling, baste the chicken with the soy-garlic sauce frequently to build up a flavorful glaze.
- Step 5: Remove the skewers from the grill once the chicken is fully cooked and nicely caramelized. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Add a pinch of ginger to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- For a smoky twist, cook over charcoal instead of a gas grill.
- Try alternating chicken pieces with vegetables like scallions or bell peppers on the skewers.
Storage
Store leftover chicken yakitori in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or oven to keep the glaze intact and the chicken tender.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and tend to stay juicier during grilling.
What can I use if I don’t have a grill?
You can cook the skewers under a broiler or in a grill pan on the stovetop with similar results.
PrintPerfectly Grilled Chicken Yakitori Recipe
Chicken Yakitori is a traditional Japanese grilled chicken skewer, featuring tender pieces of chicken basted with a sweet and savory soy-garlic sauce. This popular street food is easy to prepare and perfect as an appetizer or a main dish paired with rice or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Chicken
- 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Yakitori Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces that are easy to skewer and cook evenly.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the chicken pieces onto bamboo or metal skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely to form a flavorful glaze.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes or until cooked through and nicely charred.
- Baste with Sauce: While grilling, brush the soy-garlic sauce generously over the chicken pieces several times to build a rich, caramelized coating.
Notes
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide juicier results than breast meat.
- Adjust the sugar to taste for a sweeter or less sweet glaze.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice and pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: chicken yakitori, Japanese grilled chicken, yakitori sauce, soy garlic chicken skewers

