Chicken Yakitori is a classic Japanese street food made with tender chicken pieces skewered and glazed with a sweet-savory sauce. Perfect for dinner, appetizers, or parties, this recipe brings authentic Japanese flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Yakitori is a traditional dish, often grilled over charcoal, and typically served in izakayas (Japanese pubs) with drinks. The sauce, called tare, is a combination of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, giving a rich umami flavor that caramelizes beautifully when cooked.

This easy recipe adapts the traditional method for home cooking using a grill, broiler, or stovetop pan. The skewers are juicy, flavorful, and slightly charred, making them irresistible for adults and kids alike.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
8 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp mirin
1 tbsp sake (or dry white wine)
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish
2 green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare Tare Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and sesame oil. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves, then simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Thread Chicken: Thread chicken pieces onto bamboo skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece.
Cook Chicken:
- Grill/Broil Method: Preheat grill or broiler. Cook skewers 3–4 minutes per side, brushing generously with tare sauce until caramelized.
- Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook skewers 3–4 minutes per side, brushing with sauce until chicken is cooked and glazed.
Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over cooked skewers.
Serve: Serve immediately with steamed rice or as appetizer skewers for parties.

Tips for Perfect Yakitori

Even Cooking: Cut chicken into uniform pieces to cook evenly.
Basting: Brush sauce frequently while cooking to get a glossy, flavorful glaze.
Charred Flavor: Use a grill or broiler for authentic slightly charred edges.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a light Japanese salad.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Yakitori is a popular Japanese street food enjoyed since the Edo period. Traditionally, yakitori is skewered with chicken thigh, liver, or other parts, grilled over charcoal, and served in izakayas. The sweet-savory sauce enhances the natural umami of chicken, making it a universally loved dish.

This recipe simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy authentic flavors at home without special equipment. The skewers are perfect for entertaining, meal prep, or a casual weeknight dinner.

Variations

Spicy Yakitori: Add a dash of chili flakes or brush with sriracha before serving.
Vegetable Yakitori: Alternate chicken with bell peppers, mushrooms, or scallions on skewers.
Teriyaki Yakitori: Substitute the sauce with store-bought teriyaki sauce for convenience.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed rice or noodle dishes.
Pair with a chilled Japanese beer, sake, or green tea.
Ideal for bento boxes, picnics, or party platters.