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Japanese Chicken Yakitori

Juicy grilled chicken skewers glazed with sweet-savory yakitori sauce, inspired by classic Japanese street food flavors.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 skewers
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Skewers
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into cubes
  • 2 green onions cut into pieces
  • 8 bamboo skewers soaked in water
Yakitori Sauce
  • 0.5 cup soy sauce
  • 0.5 cup mirin
  • 0.25 cup sake
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated

Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Bamboo skewers

Method
 

  1. Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Thread chicken and green onion pieces alternately onto skewers.
  3. Combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan.
  4. Simmer sauce for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  6. Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side.
  7. Brush skewers generously with yakitori sauce while cooking.
  8. Continue grilling until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
  9. Brush with additional sauce before serving.
  10. Serve hot garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, cook over charcoal. Serve with steamed rice and grilled vegetables for a complete meal.