Description
Juicy Japanese chicken yakitori skewers glazed in a sweet-savory soy, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger sauce. Quick to prep, caramelized on the grill, and perfect for weeknights, parties, or serving over rice.
Ingredients
- 5–6 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 6–8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp mirin (or red wine)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water (slurry)
- 6–7 wooden skewers, soaked 10–20 minutes in water
Instructions
1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 10–20 minutes to help prevent burning.
2. In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, water, mirin, and rice vinegar until the sugar dissolves.
3. Trim and cut chicken into 1–2 inch chunks. Toss with minced garlic, ginger, ground black pepper, and 2–3 tbsp of the sauce. Marinate at least 10 minutes (up to 24 hours refrigerated).
4. Pour the remaining sauce into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat; whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
5. Thread chicken onto soaked skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Oil grates. Grill skewers 8–12 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes until cooked through (165°F/74°C).
7. During the last 2–3 minutes, brush skewers with thickened sauce on all sides to lacquer and lightly caramelize.
8. Rest 2–3 minutes. Serve with extra sauce, sesame seeds, and sliced scallions if desired.
Notes
Use thighs for extra juiciness; breasts are leaner and cook a bit faster.
No grill? Broil on a foil-lined sheet 5–6 inches from the heat, turning and basting until done.
For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Pair with steamed rice, cucumber salad, grilled veggies, or edamame.
Scale up easily for parties; keep finished skewers warm in a low oven (95°C/200°F).
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (100 g)
- Calories: 239
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg