Soy-Glazed Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Grilled chicken skewers brushed with a savory soy glaze and garnished with fresh scallions, offering a delicious taste of Japanese street food. This japanese-inspired sushi ready in about 30 minutes pairs soy sauce, mirin, sake for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons mirin, 2 tablespoons sake, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, then remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Step 2: Thread the 1 pound boneless chicken thigh pieces alternately with 3 stalks of green onions (cut into 1-inch pieces) onto 8 soaked bamboo skewers.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and brush the grates with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, brushing generously with the soy glaze each time, until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove from the grill and serve immediately, spooning any remaining glaze over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Soy-Glazed Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Soy-Glazed Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallions?

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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Soy-Glazed Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallions?

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 Soy-Glazed Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallions 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 Soy-Glazed Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallions?

Japanese sushi 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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