Chicken Yakitori Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Yakitori is a delicious and flavorful Japanese dish consisting of skewered and grilled chicken, often glazed with a sweet and savory soy-based sauce. This popular street food is a favorite in Japan, enjoyed as a casual snack, appetizer, or main dish. The tender, juicy chicken pieces are perfectly charred on the outside, with a hint of smokiness from the grill, and coated in a rich, umami-packed glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks.

Whether you’re cooking for a gathering or just craving a tasty, grilled treat, Chicken Yakitori is simple to make and sure to impress. With a few basic ingredients and the right technique, you can recreate this beloved dish in your own kitchen. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making Chicken Yakitori, share useful tips for perfecting the dish, and suggest variations to make it your own.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Yakitori

• Rich, Savory Flavors: The chicken is marinated and glazed in a sweet-savory sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, creating a delightful combination of flavors that’s both satisfying and delicious.
• Perfectly Grilled: The chicken skewers are grilled to perfection, with crispy, caramelized edges and juicy, tender centers, giving them the ideal texture that’s smoky and flavorful.
• Customizable: Chicken Yakitori is highly customizable. You can use different cuts of chicken, such as thighs or breasts, and add vegetables or other ingredients like mushrooms or bell peppers to the skewers for variety.
• Easy to Prepare: This dish comes together quickly, with minimal prep required. It’s a great option for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week.
• Fun and Interactive: Grilling skewers is a fun, hands-on cooking method that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. The skewers are easy to eat, making this dish perfect for parties or casual meals.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 200-250 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 200-250 kcal
• Fat: 8-10g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 6-8g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Yakitori:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts), cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for grilling)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for grilling)
• 4-6 wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water if using wooden skewers)

For the Yakitori Sauce (Tare):

• ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• ¼ cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• 2 tablespoons sake (Japanese rice wine)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey for a different sweetness profile)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger (optional for a zingy twist)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)

Garnish (optional):

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions (scallions)
• Chili flakes or powder (for heat, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken. Trim off any excess fat and cut the chicken thighs (or breasts) into bite-sized cubes. The chicken should be large enough to fit on skewers without falling apart but small enough to cook evenly. If you’re using breasts, be sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking.

2. Soak the Skewers (If Using Wooden Skewers)

If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s important to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps prevent the skewers from burning during cooking. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.

3. Make the Yakitori Sauce (Tare)

In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Once the sauce starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then add it to the simmering sauce. Continue to cook for another minute until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside. You can also make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.

4. Assemble the Skewers

Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers. You can alternate between chicken pieces and vegetables if you like, such as green onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms, for added flavor and color. Be sure not to overcrowd the skewers—leave a little space between the chicken pieces so they cook evenly.

5. Preheat the Grill or Grill Pan

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan on the stovetop, preheat it over medium-high heat as well. Brush the grill or pan with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking. If you’re grilling outside, you can use charcoal or gas, but make sure the grill is at a steady medium-high heat for optimal cooking.

6. Grill the Chicken Skewers

Place the skewers on the preheated grill, making sure to leave enough space between them for air circulation. Grill the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until it develops a nice golden-brown color. As the chicken grills, brush it with the yakitori sauce (tare) to glaze it. Flip the skewers every few minutes, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly on all sides and the sauce caramelizes.

7. Serve the Chicken Yakitori

Once the chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C), remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving. Garnish the chicken with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and chili flakes if desired for extra flavor and crunch.

Serve the Chicken Yakitori with steamed rice, a side salad, or some grilled vegetables. It also pairs wonderfully with a chilled bottle of sake or a cold beer, making it a perfect dish for a casual get-together or a Japanese-inspired meal.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Yakitori

• Use Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts are leaner, chicken thighs are ideal for yakitori due to their juiciness and tenderness. The extra fat keeps the chicken moist during grilling and adds more flavor.
• Grill Over Medium-High Heat: Ensure your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat. Too high of a heat can burn the chicken before it cooks through, while too low of a heat can result in dry chicken.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Make sure you leave a little space between the pieces of chicken on the skewers. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and that the sauce caramelizes properly.
• Baste Frequently: For the best flavor, baste the chicken with the yakitori sauce during grilling, but be sure not to add the sauce too early, as it can burn. Brush the sauce on once the chicken begins to caramelize and develop color.
• Make Extra Sauce: If you love the sauce, make extra to drizzle over the rice or vegetables you serve with the yakitori. It’s perfect for adding more of the sweet-savory flavor to the entire meal.

Variations of Chicken Yakitori

• Vegetable Yakitori: You can create a vegetable-only version of yakitori by skewering vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or onions. Marinate them in the yakitori sauce and grill them in the same way as the chicken for a flavorful vegetarian alternative.
• Chicken Yakitori with Teriyaki Sauce: For a slightly sweeter variation, substitute the yakitori sauce with a teriyaki sauce. The result will be a more sugar-forward glaze that’s perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
• Spicy Chicken Yakitori: Add a spicy kick to your yakitori by incorporating chili paste, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce. This will add some heat and balance the sweetness of the sauce.
• Pineapple Chicken Yakitori: Add a tropical twist by alternating chunks of fresh pineapple with the chicken on the skewers. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken and the yakitori sauce.
• Yakitori with Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan alternative, replace the chicken with tofu. Firm tofu works best for grilling, and it can be marinated in the yakitori sauce for added flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chicken Yakitori is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm the skewers in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, brushing with a little extra sauce to keep the chicken moist.

If you want to freeze the yakitori, remove the chicken from the skewers and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and warm it through on the stove or grill.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken Yakitori

While Chicken Yakitori is delicious on its own, it pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes:

• Steamed Rice: A classic pairing with yakitori, steamed rice helps balance the strong flavors of the sauce and makes for a hearty side dish.
• Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono): Serve the yakitori with some pickled vegetables, such as pickled ginger or daikon radish, to add a tangy contrast to the sweet and savory chicken.
• Miso Soup: A light and comforting miso soup is a great side dish to complement the grilled chicken and rice.
• Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar is a crisp, light side dish that pairs well with the richness of the yakitori.
• Grilled Vegetables: Complement the skewers with some grilled vegetables, such as asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini, for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Conclusion

Chicken Yakitori is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings the taste of Japan right to your table. With tender, juicy chicken glazed in a sweet-savory sauce and grilled to perfection, it’s a meal that’s sure to impress family and friends. The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add different vegetables or protein options to suit your taste.

Whether you’re grilling outdoors, cooking in the kitchen, or serving it as part of a larger meal, Chicken Yakitori is the perfect dish for any occasion. With simple ingredients, quick preparation, and a fun grilling method, it’s a must-try recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this Japanese classic and share it with those you love!