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Chicken Yakitori Recipe

Irresistible Chicken Yakitori Recipe for Delicious Skewers

This Chicken Yakitori Recipe is a delicious, crowd-pleaser that brings the essence of Japanese street food to your kitchen.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 skewers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless Chicken (breast or thighs) Perfect for tenderness and juiciness; swap with firm tofu or vegetables for a vegetarian version.
For the Marinade
  • 2 cloves Garlic Infuses the dish with depth; fresh is best for maximum flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Adds a zesty kick; use fresh ginger or ginger powder if needed.
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Essential savory base; substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine or Mirin Contributes sweetness and complexity; white wine with a pinch of sugar works in a pinch.
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar Essential for sweetness and caramelization; no substitutes required.
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar Provides a lovely acidity; distilled vinegar can also work.
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Thickens the sauce to achieve that perfect syrupy consistency.
For the Skewers
  • 10 pieces Wooden Skewers Vital for grilling; remember to soak these in water before use.

Equipment

  • grill
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Yakitori Recipe
  1. Soak the wooden skewers in water for 10–20 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, water, red wine or mirin, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Whisk until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
  3. Trim excess fat from the chicken and cut into 1–2 inch chunks. Mix garlic, ginger, and ground pepper with 1/4 cup of the prepared yakitori sauce, then toss the chicken to coat. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  4. In a saucepan over medium heat, pour in the remaining yakitori sauce. Create a cornstarch slurry and add it slowly to the sauce. Stir for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  5. Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, leaving space between pieces. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  6. Grill the skewers for 8–12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the thickened yakitori sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1skewerCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 28gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Fresh ingredients like garlic and ginger elevate the flavor. Soak skewers to prevent burning while grilling.

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