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The Best Easy Japanese Chicken Yakitori Recipe

Tender chicken skewers glazed with sweet-savory tare sauce, perfect for home-cooked yakitori.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Main
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 bamboo skewers soaked in water 30 min
Tare Sauce
  • 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

Equipment

  • Grill or broiler
  • Non-stick pan
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and sesame oil in saucepan. Heat and simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  2. Thread chicken onto bamboo skewers with small gaps between pieces.
  3. Cook skewers: Grill or broil 3–4 min per side, brushing with tare sauce. Alternatively, pan-cook on medium heat 3–4 min per side.
  4. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on cooked skewers.
  5. Serve immediately with rice or as appetizers.

Notes

Baste skewers frequently for glossy glaze. Uniform chicken pieces cook evenly.