Japanese Yakitori-Style Chicken Skewers
Sweet and savory grilled chicken skewers marinated in a tangy glaze, inspired by traditional yakitori. This japanese-inspired quick meals ready in about 50 minutes pairs cubed chicken thighs, soy sauce, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 1.5 lbs, cubed chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sake
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 block, cubed tofu
- 1, segmented grapefruit
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake, garlic, and brown sugar. Add chicken cubes and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Thread chicken and tofu onto skewers. Brush with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until charred and juices run clear.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix grapefruit segments with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp mirin. Serve as a vibrant garnish alongside skewers.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Japanese Yakitori-Style Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (30 min prep + 20 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 Japanese 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 cubed chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Japanese 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 Japanese Yakitori-Style Chicken Skewers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Yakitori-Style Chicken Skewers?
Japanese quick meals 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
