Soy-Marinated Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallion Dipping Sauce

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

Juicy chicken pieces marinated in a savory soy and mirin sauce, grilled on skewers, and served with a fresh scallion dipping sauce. This japanese-inspired sushi ready in about 52 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 320 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, 2 tbsp sake, and 1 tbsp sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add 1 lb boneless chicken thigh pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the dipping sauce by mixing 3 finely chopped scallions, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, and 1 tsp lemon juice in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly brush with 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
  4. Step 4: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  5. Step 5: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side, basting occasionally with leftover marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
  6. Step 6: Serve the hot yakitori skewers with the scallion dipping sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Soy-Marinated Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallion Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 52 minutes (40 min prep + 12 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 Dipping Sauce?

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 Dipping 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 Soy-Marinated Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallion Dipping Sauce 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-Marinated Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallion Dipping Sauce?

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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