Spicy Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallion Sauce
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 ready in about 30 minutes blends boneless chicken thighs, soy sauce, mirin into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp sake
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Sriracha sauce
- 4 stalks green onions
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 8 bamboo skewers
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and thread evenly onto 8 soaked bamboo skewers.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 5: While grilling, finely chop 4 green onions and mix with 1 tsp sesame oil to create a scallion sauce for dipping.
- 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). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Spicy Chicken Yakitori Skewers with Scallion Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
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.
