Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers (Printable Version)

Succulent chicken skewers with savory-sweet tare glaze, grilled to crispy perfection.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken & Vegetables

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 spring onions (scallions), cut into 1-inch pieces
03 - 12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

→ Yakitori Sauce (Tare)

04 - 1/3 cup soy sauce
05 - 1/4 cup mirin
06 - 1/4 cup sake
07 - 2 tbsp sugar
08 - 1 garlic clove, crushed
09 - 1 small piece (2 cm) fresh ginger, sliced

# Directions:

01 - Combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and strain out garlic and ginger pieces.
02 - Thread chicken cubes and spring onion pieces onto soaked bamboo skewers, alternating between meat and onion. Pack pieces closely without overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
03 - Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking and ensure easy turning during cooking.
04 - Place skewers on the hot grill and cook for 3 minutes per side. After each turn, brush generously with the prepared yakitori sauce. Continue grilling, turning and basting frequently, for 6–8 additional minutes until chicken is fully cooked and develops a glossy, caramelized coating.
05 - Transfer skewers to a serving platter and drizzle with any remaining yakitori sauce. Enjoy hot while the glaze is still tacky and flavorful.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The homemade tare sauce creates that restaurant quality glaze thats impossible to achieve with store bought teriyaki
  • Chicken thighs stay incredibly juicy while developing perfectly crispy edges
  • These come together in under 40 minutes but taste like they required hours of preparation
02 -
  • The sauce will burn if your heat is too high, so stay attentive and keep flipping
  • Letting the skewers rest for just 2 minutes after grilling helps the juices redistribute
03 -
  • Thread all pieces in the same direction for even cooking
  • Spare skewers between pieces prevent chicken from spinning when you flip them

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