Easy Chicken Yakitori Grill Up Japanese Flavours at Home

Easy Japanese Chicken Yakitori Delicious Skewers at Home

By Jordan KimOctober 4, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a quick trip to Japan without leaving your kitchen? Ever craved that amazing Japanese Chicken Yakitori: Easy Delicious flavour from a street food stall? Well, you're in luck! Get ready for a taste sensation.

A Little Taste of Tokyo

Yakitori is basically Japanese skewers . It is a beloved dish with roots stretching back centuries. It is street food at its finest.

This recipe gives you that authentic taste. It is simple enough to whip up any night of the week.

This easy yakitori recipe is super straightforward. From start to finish, you are looking at about an hour. It makes four servings which is perfect for a family dinner.

It is even better as an appetizer for a BBQ with friends.

Why You'll Love This Yakitori

Honestly, the main reason I love this recipe so much is how healthy it is. Chicken thighs are packed with protein.

The homemade yakitori marinade adds incredible flavor. It is way better than ordering takeout. Plus, it's a great way to impress your mates.

You know? I started making this because my local pub stopped serving their grilled chicken skewers . It was an outrage! I took matters into my own hands.

This recipe is my revenge for that injustice!

Ready to get started? Let's dive into those key ingredients! Don't be shy, this will be a doddle!

Alright, let's dive into making some incredible Japanese Chicken Yakitori: Easy Delicious ! It all starts with good ingredients and a few key pieces of kit.

Trust me, getting this right makes all the difference.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Yakitori Arsenal

So, what do we need for this easy yakitori recipe ? It's simpler than you think!

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific

Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs , cubed. Seriously, use thighs! They stay juicy. Breasts? Too dry.
Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup (120ml) Kikkoman is awesome. But any decent kikkoman soy sauce will do!
Mirin: 1/4 cup (60ml) This gives that signature sweetness.
Sake: 1/4 cup (60ml) Cooking sake is fine, don't stress.
Sugar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) Granulated.
Garlic: 1 clove, minced.
Ginger: 1 teaspoon grated.

For the chicken, look for thighs that are plump and pink. That means fresh! Don't be shy; give them a good sniff. Fresh chicken shouldn't have a strong smell.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

The magic is in the balance! Soy, mirin, and sake give that classic Japanese flavour. Garlic and ginger add a little zing.

If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes works a treat! No Sake? Don't panic, use dry sherry or Chinese rice wine as a cooking sake substitute .

And if you haven't any mirin, try a sweet marsala wine as mirin substitute ; it brings a similar kind of magic!.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Medium bowl
Whisk
Wooden skewers (soaked!)
Grill (gas, charcoal, or grill pan)

You don't need a fancy yakitori grill . I've made amazing grilled chicken skewers on a cheapo BBQ. Just make sure your skewers are soaked.

Nobody wants burning sticks, right? I usually soak mine for at least 30 minutes . Pro tip! Place a heavy pot on top of them so they are totally submerged.

Honestly, that's all you need for homemade yakitori . The joy of this easy japanese recipe is its simplicity. It's more about the technique than the tools, eh? So, let's get that yakitori marinade going.

Grill Master Moment: Mastering Japanese Chicken Yakitori: Easy Delicious!

Fancy a taste of Tokyo without the airfare? Honestly, this Japanese Chicken Yakitori recipe is so easy, even I can't mess it up.

And trust me, that's saying something. Get ready for juicy chicken skewers recipe glazed in a sweet and savoury sauce that'll have you shouting "Oishii!".

It's a guaranteed crowd pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard BBQ. I used this chicken yakitori recipe on last weekend and friends didn't let any piece remaining!

Prep Steps: The Yakitori Prep School

First, mise en place . It sounds posh, but it just means getting your stuff together! Chop 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken thighs into bite sized cubes.

These are the stars of our show, so make sure they're roughly the same size. Mix up the yakitori marinade .

Soak wooden skewers in water. At least 30 minutes . This stops them from turning into charcoal. Safety first: wash hands, and avoid cross contamination.

Sizzling Success: step-by-step

Whip up the magic sauce: Whisk together 1/2 cup (120ml) Kikkoman soy sauce , 1/4 cup (60ml) mirin , 1/4 cup (60ml) sake , 2 tablespoons (30ml) sugar , minced 1 clove garlic , and 1 teaspoon ginger. The yakitori sauce recipe is that easy!
Marinate the chicken: Toss the chicken in the homemade yakitori sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes . I’ve let it marinate for 2 hours .
Skewer time: Thread the chicken onto the soaked skewers. Don't cram them.
Grill to perfection: Preheat your grill to medium high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill for 5- 6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Aim for an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .
Serve immediately and bask in the glory of your Japanese BBQ skills.

Pro Tips: Yakitori Ninja Moves

Want to take your grilled chicken skewers to the next level? Baste with extra sauce during the last few minutes for a sticky, caramelised finish.

Don't overcrowd the grill or you'll end up steaming the chicken. And if you're feeling fancy, serve with a side of sunomono recipe or edamame side dish .

I use this easy yakitori recipe frequently.

Recipe Notes for the Best Japanese Chicken Yakitori: Easy Delicious

Alright, let's talk about the nitty gritty of making killer Japanese Chicken Yakitori: Easy Delicious . These are my notes to you, from my kitchen to yours.

Trust me, they'll make your life easier.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, you know? Don’t just chuck those grilled chicken skewers on a plate.

Think about layering. A bed of fluffy rice. Then, the glistening Japanese skewers arranged artfully on top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

You know, the whole shebang. Maybe add a side of quick pickled cucumber ( Sunomono recipe style).

And drinks? Ice-cold beer, or even some chilled cooking sake substitute , works wonders.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries, we've all been there.

Pop those leftover chicken skewers recipe pieces into an airtight container. Into the fridge, they go. They'll be good for about 3 days. Honestly, I doubt they'll last that long.

Freezing? Yeah, you can . But the texture might change a bit, so I wouldn’t recommend it unless you really need to.

Reheating is easy. Microwave (quick and dirty). Or, for a bit of char, throw them back on the grill for a couple of minutes.

Variations: Tailor it to Your Taste

Okay, so you're watching those carbs? Ditch the sugar in the yakitori sauce recipe , or use a mirin substitute like a dry sherry.

Want it veggie friendly? I love adding bell peppers and onions to the chicken thigh recipes on those BBQ chicken skewers ! Seasonal vegetables swap in brilliantly too - asparagus in spring or squash in autumn.

The key is the yakitori marinade .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Let’s keep it real simple. Each serving is about 350-400 calories. Loads of protein (35-40g). A decent amount of fat (15-20g). And some carbs (15-20g).

This easy yakitori recipe is a great source of protein. Plus, ginger and garlic in the yakitori marinade have some ace health benefits.

Just watch out for the sodium. That Kikkoman soy sauce can be sneaky.

So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking! You've got this. Seriously, even if you think you can’t cook, you can nail this easy Japanese recipe .

Go on, give it a go! This chicken yakitori recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. It’s even better than a cheeky Nando’s!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really that easy to make Japanese Chicken Yakitori: Easy Delicious at home? I'm no culinary wizard!

Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be super straightforward, even if you're more of a beans-on-toast kind of cook. The key is a simple marinade and grilling. If you can handle a BBQ, you can definitely nail this yakitori recipe. Just think of it as posh chicken skewers!

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? I'm trying to be a bit healthier, you know.

While chicken thighs are traditionally used and provide the best juicy flavour, you can substitute chicken breast. Be mindful that chicken breast tends to dry out more easily, so keep a close eye on it while grilling and don't overcook it.

You might also want to consider reducing the grilling time slightly, or basting frequently with the yakitori sauce.

What if I don't have a grill? Can I still make this Japanese Chicken Yakitori: Easy Delicious magic happen?

No grill? No problem! You can absolutely use a broiler or an indoor grill pan. For the broiler, place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil and broil for about 4-5 minutes per side, keeping a close watch to prevent burning. An indoor grill pan will give you those lovely grill marks, just like the real deal!

Help! My wooden skewers keep burning on the grill. What am I doing wrong?

Burning skewers are a common problem! The trick is to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) before using them. This saturates the wood and helps prevent them from catching fire.

If you're still having trouble, you can wrap the exposed ends of the skewers in foil for extra protection.

How long does leftover yakitori last, and what's the best way to reheat it?

Cooked yakitori will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave (though the chicken might become a little less juicy), a skillet over medium heat, or even a quick blast in the oven. Add a splash of water or extra yakitori sauce while reheating to help retain moisture.

Don't be tempted to leave leftovers at room temperature for more than two hours!

Is this recipe healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown on Japanese Chicken Yakitori: Easy Delicious?

While delicious, yakitori does contain sodium from the soy sauce and sugar in the sauce. You can reduce the sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce. It provides a good source of protein, but remember to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Consider serving it with plenty of vegetables to round out the meal.