Japanese Street Yakitori Chicken Skewers with Sauce

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

Tender chicken thigh pieces grilled on skewers and glazed with a sweet-savory yakitori sauce for an iconic Japanese street food snack. This japanese-inspired street food ready in about 52 minutes blends soy sauce, mirin, sake into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Japanese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 6 bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread 12 oz boneless skinless chicken thigh pieces and 2 stalks cut green onions alternately onto each skewer.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp mirin, 2 tbsp sake, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 1 tbsp vegetable oil on skewers and grill for 3 minutes per side, brushing generously with yakitori sauce during the last 3 minutes, until chicken is glazed and cooked through with slight char.
  4. Step 4: Remove skewers and serve hot, optionally garnished with additional sauce or chopped green onions for a traditional Japanese street food experience.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Japanese Street Yakitori Chicken Skewers with Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 52 minutes (40 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Japanese Street Yakitori Chicken Skewers with Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Japanese Street Yakitori Chicken Skewers with 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 Japanese Street Yakitori Chicken Skewers with 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 Japanese Street Yakitori Chicken Skewers with Sauce?

Japanese street food 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.

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