Soy-Marinated Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallion and Ginger

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

Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in a savory soy-ginger sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal or appetizer. This japanese ready in about 30 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Japanese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, 2 tbsp sake, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 500g cubed boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Thread marinated chicken pieces alternately with 3 stalks of scallions cut into 1-inch pieces onto 6 soaked bamboo skewers.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, basting occasionally with remaining marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Soy-Marinated Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallion and Ginger take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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-Marinated Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallion and Ginger?

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 Soy-Marinated Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallion and Ginger?

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-Marinated Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallion and Ginger 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 Soy-Marinated Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallion and Ginger?

Japanese japanese 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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