Spicy Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallion Sauce

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

Tender chicken pieces threaded on skewers, grilled and brushed with a spicy yakitori sauce, served with a fresh scallion dipping sauce. This Japanese-inspired chicken recipe, 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 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and thread evenly onto 8 soaked bamboo skewers.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, 2 tbsp sake, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp Sriracha sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush the 8 skewers with 1 tbsp vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 4 minutes per side, brushing generously with the yakitori sauce each time, until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized.
  5. Step 5: While grilling, finely chop 4 green onions and mix with 1 tsp sesame oil to create a scallion sauce for dipping.
  6. Step 6: Serve the skewers hot with the scallion sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallion Sauce 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 Spicy Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallion 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 Spicy Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallion 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 Spicy Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallion 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 Spicy Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallion Sauce?

Japanese chicken 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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