Grilled Yakitori Chicken Skewers with Tare Sauce
Juicy chicken thigh skewers grilled over high heat and brushed with a sweet and savory tare glaze, perfect as a savory snack or appetizer. This Japanese-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 32 minutes, pairs boneless chicken thighs, soy sauce, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tbsp sake
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2, cut into 1-inch pieces scallions
- 6 (soaked in water for 30 minutes) bamboo skewers
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch cubes and thread onto 6 soaked bamboo skewers, alternating with 2 scallions cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin, 2 tbsp sake, and 2 tbsp sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly; remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly brush with 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, brushing generously with the tare sauce during the last 2 minutes to create a glossy glaze.
- Step 4: Remove from grill and serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra scallion slices.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Yakitori Chicken Skewers with Tare Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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 Grilled Yakitori Chicken Skewers with Tare Sauce?
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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Yakitori Chicken Skewers with Tare Sauce?
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 Grilled Yakitori Chicken Skewers with Tare Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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.
What goes well with Grilled Yakitori Chicken Skewers with Tare Sauce?
Japanese chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
