Go Back
–+ servings
Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe – Easy & Delicious Grilled Skewers

Savor the Flavor: Easy Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe

Discover an easy and delicious Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe, featuring sweet-savory grilled skewers that capture warmth and camaraderie.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Soaking Time 20 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 4 skewers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Skewers
  • 1 lb Boneless Chicken (breast or thighs) For vegetarian option, use firm tofu or mushrooms.
  • 6 pieces Wooden Skewers Soak in water to prevent burning.
For the Marinade
  • 3 cloves Garlic Use fresh for best results.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger Fresh preferred over ground.
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce Substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine or Mirin White wine mixed with sugar as a substitute.
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar Aids caramelization.
  • 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar Adds acidity to balance flavors.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch Used to thicken the yakitori sauce.
  • 1/2 cup Remaining Yakitori Sauce Ingredients Includes soy sauce, water, red wine or mirin, brown sugar, and rice vinegar.

Equipment

  • grill
  • medium saucepan
  • mixing bowl
  • Wooden skewers

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Soak your wooden skewers in water for 10–20 minutes.
  2. In a medium saucepan, mix together soy sauce, water, red wine or mirin, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
  3. Trim excess fat from the chicken and cut into 1–2 inch chunks. Pound lightly with a meat mallet.
  4. Mix minced garlic, ginger, and ground pepper with 1/4 cup of yakitori sauce. Marinate chicken for at least 10 minutes.
  5. Return remaining yakitori sauce to the stovetop. Create a slurry with cornstarch and combine with sauce. Cook until thickened.
  6. Thread marinated chicken onto soaked skewers. Grill for 8–12 minutes, basting with thickened yakitori sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1skewerCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgSugar: 5gVitamin C: 1mgIron: 5mg

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Use fresh ingredients to elevate flavor. Adjust grill heat to prevent burning and baste regularly for best results.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!