ThisJapanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is made on the grill for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the vegetables or protein to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Seriously, it’s like a culinary adventure that’s simple enough for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients for Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers
1 pound Boneless Chicken (breast or thighs)
3 cloves Garlic
1 tablespoon Ginger
1/2 cup Soy Sauce
1/4 cup Red Wine or Mirin
2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
1 tablespoon Cornstarch
10 pieces Wooden Skewers (soaked in water)
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make Japanese Chicken Yakitori
Prep Your Marinade (10 minutes) Start by mincing the garlic and ginger. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, red wine or mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Stir until the sugar and cornstarch are dissolved, this will take about a minute! The smell will be amazing, trust me!
Marinate the Chicken (5 minutes) Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them into the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes, longer if you have the time (or sense of patience). You can do this while you prep your vegetables!
Skewer the Chicken (5 minutes) Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers. Don’t forget to alternate with your favorite veggies, think bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini. This adds some color and tons of flavor!
Grill Time (10-15 minutes) Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (165° F). You want to see those beautiful char marks! Scrape the yummy bits off the bottom if needed for extra flavor.
Serve and Enjoy! Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. These yakitori skewers are perfect for meal prep or a family dinner. Just plate up with steamed rice or a crisp salad, and you’re set!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe for those busy nights when everyone’s running around and starving! I’m a real sucker for quick meals that pack a punch of flavor, and these yakitori skewers nail it every time. They’re that perfect blend of comfort food and fun! The best part? You can mix and match whatever veggies or proteins you have lying around. It’s all about using what you have on hand, which is such a lifesaver!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Skewers), my Pan-Fried Japanese Potato Mochi, or my Dorayaki Japanese Red Bean Pancakes!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This meal comes together in under 30 minutes! Perfect for those weeknights when the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen.
Customizable
One of the best things about these Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers is how versatile they are. Use whatever vegetables you have, change up the protein, or tweak the marinade to suit your taste buds!
Family-Friendly
The whole family will love it! My kids go nuts for skewers, there’s just something fun about eating with your hands. Plus, you can sneak in those veggies without much fuss.
Minimal Cleanup
All grilled, so cleanup is easy-peasy! Just a few skewers and a bowl. Easy as that!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions: Serve these yakitori skewers over steamed rice, soba noodles, or with a fresh salad. You could even toss them with some sesame seeds for a little flair!
Storage: These skewers will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store them in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds until warmed through. If you want to keep them crispy, heat them up on the grill or a skillet for a couple of minutes.
Freezer Friendly: Yes, you can freeze them before grilling! Just marinate and assemble them, then wrap and freeze. When you’re ready, grill from frozen, it’ll take a few extra minutes, but trust me, totally worth it!
Final Thoughts
This recipe is fantastic for a quick weeknight meal that prioritizes flavor and simplicity. Whether you’re whipping up a dinner for the family or hosting friends in the backyard, these Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers will have everyone talking (and asking for seconds!).
The potential here is endless, and I can’t wait for you to give this a try. I really think you’re going to love it as much as I do. Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Happy cooking!
Japanese Chicken Yakitori Skewers
Ingredients
Method
- Mince the garlic and ginger. In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, red wine or mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Stir until dissolved.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, toss with marinade, and let sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Thread marinated chicken pieces onto soaked skewers, alternating with vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
- Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and charred.
- Remove skewers from grill, let rest for a few minutes before serving with steamed rice or salad.