Easy Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers for Family Dinners are a fantastic way to bring tender, juicy chicken with a sweet-savory glaze to your table quickly. This recipe is beginner-friendly and uses simple pantry staples to create that authentic yakitori flavor right at home. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, these skewers boast a delightful char and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Pair it with my Bang Bang Style Thai Chicken for a mix of Asian-inspired favorites everyone will love.
Why You'll Love Easy Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers for Family Dinners – Quick & Delicious
Make Easy Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers for Family Dinners with this quick, flavorful recipe perfect for weeknight meals. Tender, juicy, and simple to prepare.
- Simple ingredients you likely have on hand
- Quick to prepare and cook in under 40 minutes
- Perfectly balanced sweet and savory yakitori sauce
- Great for family dinners and meal prep leftovers
Ingredients for Easy Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers for Family Dinners – Quick & Delicious
Chicken thighs: Use boneless and skinless for juiciness and even cooking; chicken breast can be substituted but will be leaner and may dry out faster.Mirin: A sweet rice wine; if unavailable, use a mix of 2 tbsp sugar and 1/4 cup white wine or apple cider vinegar for acidity.
- Chicken thighs: Use boneless and skinless for juiciness and even cooking; chicken breast can be substituted but will be leaner and may dry out faster.
- Mirin: A sweet rice wine; if unavailable, use a mix of 2 tbsp sugar and 1/4 cup white wine or apple cider vinegar for acidity.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Easy Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers for Family Dinners – Quick & Delicious are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Easy Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers for Family Dinners – Quick & Delicious
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare yakitori sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Heat on medium until sugar dissolves, then simmer 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Skewer the chicken: Drain bamboo skewers. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers evenly without crowding.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Grill the skewers: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Brush with vegetable oil. Grill skewers 4-5 minutes per side, basting with yakitori sauce several times until chicken is cooked through and caramelized.
Expert Tips for Easy Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers for Family Dinners – Quick & Delicious
- Soaking bamboo skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Baste chicken frequently with sauce during grilling for a glossy and flavorful finish.
- Use thigh meat for juicier, more tender skewers compared to breast meat.
Easy Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers for Family Dinners – Quick & Delicious
Make Easy Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers for Family Dinners with this quick, flavorful recipe perfect for weeknight meals. Tender, juicy, and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8-10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tbsp sake (or dry sherry as substitute)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil for grilling
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Thinly sliced chili flakes for heat
Instructions
How to Make Easy Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers for Family Dinners
- Prepare yakitori sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Heat on medium until sugar dissolves, then simmer 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Skewer the chicken: Drain bamboo skewers. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers evenly without crowding.
- Grill the skewers: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Brush with vegetable oil. Grill skewers 4-5 minutes per side, basting with yakitori sauce several times until chicken is cooked through and caramelized.
- Serve and garnish: Remove skewers from grill, brush with more sauce if desired. Sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes for extra flavor.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Easy Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers for Family Dinners – Quick & Delicious FAQs
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chicken skewers up to a day ahead. Store raw skewers covered in the fridge and grill them fresh or reheat cooked ones as needed.
If you don’t have mirin, use a combination of 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/4 cup white wine or a splash of apple cider vinegar to mimic the sweetness and acidity.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on a grill or skillet for best texture.
Using chicken breast or overcooking can cause dryness. Also, avoid overcrowding the grill to maintain crispness. Baste often for moisture and flavor.
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Before You Go
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