Japanese Yakitori Chicken Skewers
Yakitori, which translates to "grilled bird" in Japanese, is an iconic dish that holds a special place in Japanese cuisine. Whether you're strolling through a lively street market or sitting in a cozy izakaya (Japanese pub), these skewered bites of grilled chicken are the epitome of comfort and flavour. Imagine juicy, tender chicken thighs infused with smoky goodness, coated in a delicious sweet-and-savory glaze – all packed into perfectly portable skewers.
This homemade yakitori recipe brings the authentic taste of Japan right into your kitchen. Using a simple marinade and a sticky glaze, the chicken becomes irresistibly flavorful and juicy, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner, snack, or appetizer. Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or just craving a satisfying bite, these yakitori chicken skewers will undoubtedly become your new go-to dish.
Hey, I'm Verna!
About this recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 750g boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4 thighs)
- 1 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
For the Glaze:
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp squeeze honey
For Garnishing:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chilli flakes (optional)
- Spring onions, finely sliced
Pair it with
Instructions
- Chop the chicken thigh fillets into nugget-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine cornflour/cornstarch, water, soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, garlic, and ginger. Add the chopped chicken and toss to coat them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavour.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting any excess drip off and skewer the pieces, ready to cook.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking together the soy sauce and honey in a small bowl.
- To cook the chicken, choose one of the below options:
- BBQ: cook the chicken for around 3-4 mins per side, flipping halfway, until cooked through.
- Oven grill the chicken for around 4-5 minutes per side, flipping halfway, until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 74°C / 165°F).
- Air fryer: arrange the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning and brush with the prepared glaze, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Transfer the skewers to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds, chilli flakes (if using), and sliced spring onions. Enjoy!
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
2. Do I need to soak the skewers?
If you're using wooden skewers, it's a good idea to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This helps prevent them from burning during cooking.
3. Can I make this recipe with other meats?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the chicken for other proteins such as pork, beef, or prawns. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat you're using.
4. How do I cook this if I don’t have a BBQ or air fryer?
No problem! You can use your oven’s grill function or a stovetop grill pan to cook the skewers. Simply cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, flipping halfway, until it’s fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F.
5. What can I serve this with?
These skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides, such as steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like sweet chili or a sesame soy sauce.
6. How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer, oven, or a microwave, but be careful not to overcook the chicken again.
7. Can I add vegetables to the skewers?
Yes, you can! Feel free to experiment with adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, baby corn, or even mushrooms to the skewers for a more colourful and flavourful dish. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes as the chicken for even cooking.
8. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in the sauce for up to 4 hours to allow the flavours to deepen. Once marinated, skewer the chicken and store it in the fridge until you're ready to cook. This makes the recipe even easier when you’re ready to eat!
Video demonstration
Leave a comment
Like this recipe?
This recipe is featured in my debut cookbook "Have You Eaten?", if you liked this recipe, then I'd encourage you to buy my cookbook for even more exclusive and delicious recipes!
More tasty recipe ideas for you
If you liked this recipe then you might like some of these below! Or if you're looking for more inspiration, my cookbook has dozens of exclusive meals not on my website!