Japanese Yakitori-Style Grilled Chicken Skewers

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

Succulent chicken skewers marinated in soy sauce and mirin, grilled to perfection with a sweet-salty glaze. This japanese-inspired asian ready in about 55 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 350 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp sake, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add 1.5 lbs chicken pieces and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers. Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook skewers for 5-6 minutes per side until charred and juices run clear.
  3. Step 3: While grilling, prepare the glaze: mix 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Brush glaze over chicken during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  4. Step 4: Serve with 1 block tofu, cubed, and additional sesame seeds for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 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 Grilled 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 Japanese Yakitori-Style Grilled 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 Grilled Chicken Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Grilled Chicken Skewers?

Japanese asian 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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