Yakitori Japanese Chicken Skewers

Name: Yakitori Japanese Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 800 g Boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 120 ml Soy sauce; 120 ml Mirin (sweet rice wine); 60 ml Sake (cooking wine); 2 tbsp Granulated sugar; 12 pieces Bamboo skewers (approx. 6 inches); 2 stalks Scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Difficulty

medium

Time

40m

Price Category

average

Calories

Medium

Yakitori, an iconic dish of Japanese cuisine, refers to delicious chicken skewers grilled to perfection and basted with a sweet and savory sauce. This recipe brings the classic yakitori flavor profile to your home, guaranteeing juicy meat and a caramelized, umami-rich coating. It's ideal as an appetizer, snack, or even a light main course, and a perfect choice for gatherings with friends or a cozy family dinner. Prepare it and enjoy the authentic taste of Japan!

ingredients

4 Servings

800 g Boneless, skinless chicken thighs120 ml Soy sauce120 ml Mirin (sweet rice wine)60 ml Sake (cooking wine)2 tbsp Granulated sugar12 pieces Bamboo skewers (approx. 6 inches)2 stalks Scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Steps

Prepare the Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside a portion of the sauce for serving, and the rest for grilling.

Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken thighs into approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, about 3-4 pieces per skewer.

Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Then, begin basting the skewers with the reserved sauce, continuing to grill, turning and basting frequently, for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce is caramelized. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Serve

Remove the skewers from the grill, sprinkle with freshly sliced scallions, and serve immediately with the reserved sauce.

Extra Tips

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

► For a perfectly caramelized layer, baste the skewers multiple times with the sauce during grilling.

► Experiment with other meats or vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to vary your yakitori.

Nutrition

	Per 100g	Per Serving 200g
Calories	250 kcal	500 kcal
Protein	25g	50g
Fat	12g	24g
Carbohydrate	8g	16g
Fiber	0.5g	1g
Sugar	6g	12g