Chicken Yakitori Recipe

 Chicken Yakitori is a beloved Japanese street food made of bite-sized chicken pieces grilled on skewers and glazed with a glossy, savory-sweet sauce. The balance of soy, mirin, sugar, and sake creates a delicious caramelized coating, giving every bite an irresistible smoky umami flavor. It’s simple to make at home, perfect for gatherings, or even a weeknight dinner served with rice and vegetables.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
8–10 bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes)

For the Yakitori Sauce (Tare):
½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup mirin
¼ cup sake or rice wine
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

For Garnish (optional):
Chopped green onions
Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Set aside about ¼ cup of this sauce for brushing during grilling and the rest for serving.

2. Prepare the Chicken:
   Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers. Lightly brush them with oil and season with salt and pepper.

3. Grill the Yakitori:
   Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, brushing with the reserved sauce several times as they cook. Continue turning and glazing until the chicken is glossy, sticky, and fully cooked through.

4. Serve:
   Arrange the skewers on a platter, drizzle a little extra sauce over them, and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or as an appetizer.

Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 260
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 780mg

Tips:
• Using chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy and flavorful after grilling.
• Soak bamboo skewers to prevent them from burning.
• For a twist, alternate chicken pieces with scallions or bell peppers on the skewers.
• You can also broil the skewers in the oven for 8–10 minutes if a grill isn’t available.

This Chicken Yakitori delivers that authentic Japanese street-food charm—sweet, savory, and perfectly charred for a delicious, satisfying meal.