Yakitori Chicken Kabobs
Transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Japan with these irresistibly juicy Yakitori Chicken Kabobs. Tender pieces of marinated chicken thighs are paired with sweet and savory yakitori sauce—made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger—then perfectly grilled to caramelized perfection. Alternated with vibrant green onion slices on bamboo skewers, these kabobs deliver a mouthwatering combination of smoky, umami-rich flavors with a touch of sweetness. Lightly sprinkled with sesame seeds for a toasty finish, they’re a versatile crowd-pleaser ideal as an appetizer or served over steamed rice for a complete weeknight dinner. With just 20 minutes of prep, this authentic Japanese street food is easy to recreate at home and guaranteed to impress! Perfect for grilling enthusiasts and lovers of bold Asian flavors alike.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs
- 0.5 cup soy sauce
- 0.25 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons sake
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 4 stalks green onions (scallions)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 12 bamboo skewers
Instructions
Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized, evenly-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).
In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Slice the green onions into 1-inch pieces, keeping the white and light green parts intact.
Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, alternating with green onion pieces.
Preheat your grill (or stovetop grill pan) to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or cooking surface to prevent sticking.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 7-8 minutes on each side, brushing with the yakitori sauce while grilling. Turn frequently to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and the sauce caramelizes into a glossy glaze.
Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C), remove the skewers from the grill.
Sprinkle the cooked skewers with sesame seeds before serving.
Serve immediately as an appetizer or pair with steamed rice for a full meal. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1356 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.3 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.3 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 426 mg | 142% | |
| Sodium | 4997 mg | 217% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 62.8 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 50.6 g | ||
| Protein | 132.1 g | 264% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 135 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 1718 mg | 37% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
