Are you ready to elevate your grilling game with a taste of Japan? Dive into the delicious world of Yakitori Style Chicken Skewers, where tender chicken thighs are marinated in a sweet and savory blend that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, promising a mouthwatering experience that will have your friends and family begging for seconds. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you can enjoy authentic Japanese flavors right in your own backyard. Let’s get started on this culinary adventure!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken thighs. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to
- 5 inches in size. This will ensure even cooking and allow the flavors to penetrate the meat effectively.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved. This will create a sweet and savory marinade for the chicken.
- Add the cut chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable plastic bag. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. For best results, marinate for up to 1 hour.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the grill or grill pan. If using a charcoal grill, light the coals and let them burn until they are covered with white ash. If using a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. For a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stove.
- Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 10 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill or grill pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- During the last few minutes of cooking, brush any remaining marinade onto the chicken skewers for added flavor and moisture. Be careful not to brush too much as the marinade contains raw chicken juices.
- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, keeping it moist.
- To serve, transfer the yakitori chicken skewers to a serving platter. Sprinkle the chopped green onion over the top for garnish. You can serve them with steamed rice or a side of pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Enjoy your homemade Yakitori Style Chicken Skewers!
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: For the juiciest skewers, opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs have more fat, which keeps them moist during grilling.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While 15 minutes is the minimum marinating time, aim for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour for deeper flavor penetration. If you can, marinate overnight in the fridge!
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 10 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning and helps them hold up during cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd the Skewers: When threading the chicken onto skewers, leave a little space between each piece. This ensures even cooking and allows the heat to circulate properly.
- Brush with Marinade: In the final minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with any remaining marinade for an extra burst of flavor. Just be cautious not to overdo it, as the marinade contains raw chicken juices.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This guarantees that your skewers are safe to eat and perfectly cooked.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the skewers to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Serve with Style: Garnish your Yakitori with chopped green onions and serve alongside steamed rice or pickled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
