Published Jun 12, 2018 Updated Aug 04, 2024
What Is Chicken Yakitori
Chicken yakitori are a delicious Japanese street food where juicy chunks of chicken are skewered with negi (Japanese spring onions) and grilled to perfection over a charcoal fire, often glazed with a sweet and savory yakitori sauce, or simply seasoned with salt or tare (soy sauce). It’s the ultimate finger food in Japan—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and totally addictive! You can find chicken yakitori skewers at Japanese izakayas, street food stalls, and restaurants specializing in Japanese cuisine. In Japan, many sushi bars and food festivals also feature it as a popular appetizer or snack.
Best Yakitori Chicken Recipe
One of my favorite things to do on the weekends is to have dinner with good friends at a Japanese izakaya or yakitori restaurant. The casual gastro-pub settings and the scrumptious fare at these restaurants have had me hooked since my first trip to Tokyo many years ago. I just love yakitori. Here’s my easy chicken yakitori recipe—it takes only 20 minutes and involves just four easy steps and simple ingredients. Perfect for spring or summer parties, you’ll have delicious, juicy, and flavorful chicken skewers in no time! Looking for more chicken skewers recipes? Check out my Filipino Chicken Skewers, Chicken Satay, and Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers recipes!
Why You’ll Love This Yakitori Recipe
Authentic taste. Enjoy the authentic flavor of Japanese street food right at home with this yakitori recipe. Quick and easy. This recipe is a breeze to whip up in just 20 minutes with only four simple steps—great for busy nights or last-minute plans. Beginner-friendly. Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, so you can enjoy grilling without any hassle. Packed with flavor. Each bite of these skewers is bursting with juicy chicken, fresh scallions, and a sweet-savory tare sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Ingredients For Chicken Yakitori
Chicken leg meat – Chicken leg meat preferred as it is juicy and stays super flavorful when grilled. Scallions – Add a mild oniony taste and a nice crunch. Plus, they make the chicken smell amazing while grilling. If you can find Negi or Japanese scallion, please use it. Soy sauce – Adds a rich, savory kick to the tare (that’s the sauce we’ll be basting on the chicken). Mirin – Adds a touch of sweetness and a little tang to our tare, making the chicken glossy and delicious.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.
How To Make Chicken Yakitori Skewers
Cooking Tips For Home Cooks
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This keeps them from burning up. Make sure your chicken pieces are all about the same size. This helps them cook evenly so everything’s perfectly grilled. Make sure your grill or grill pan is preheated. A hot grill means better searing and less sticking. If you notice that the chicken is charring too quickly, move it to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking. This prevents burning while still getting that great grill flavor. Make sure the chicken hits 165°F (74°C) inside. Or, just cut a piece to make sure it’s no longer pink in the middle.
What To Serve With Chicken Yakitori
For a wholesome Japanese meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
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