Authentic Yakitori-Style Chicken Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy, caramelized chicken skewers glazed with a perfect balance of soy, mirin, and sake, cooked over charcoal for that true Japanese street food experience. This japanese-inspired grilling (gluten-free) ready in about 33 minutes pairs chicken thighs, soy sauce, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim chicken thighs of skin and bones, cutting into 1-inch cubes. Thread cubes onto soaked bamboo skewers, alternating with 1/4 of the green onions per skewer.
  2. Step 2: Whisk soy sauce, mirin, sake, and grated ginger in a bowl until smooth. Brush 2 tbsp of the glaze over skewers and let marinate for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat grill to medium-high (375°F) and brush with grill oil. Cook skewers for 8 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Brush remaining glaze over skewers during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and remaining green onions.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with steamed rice, ensuring the glaze is glossy and chicken is juicy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Yakitori-Style Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Yakitori-Style Chicken Skewers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Yakitori-Style Chicken Skewers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Yakitori-Style Chicken Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Authentic Yakitori-Style Chicken Skewers gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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