Japanese Chicken Skewers

If you’ve ever walked through the bustling streets of Japan at night, you’ve probably caught the mouthwatering aroma of grilled Japanese chicken skewers, or yakitori. These savory, smoky, and slightly sweet skewers are one of Japan’s most beloved street foods, and for good reason. They’re simple yet incredibly flavorful, with juicy, bite-sized pieces of chicken grilled to perfection over an open flame.

The beauty of Japanese chicken skewers lies in their simplicity. Just a few ingredients—tender chicken, a rich tare sauce, and a hot grill—come together to create something absolutely delicious. Whether you’re a fan of salty, umami-rich flavors or prefer a touch of sweet caramelization, these skewers hit all the right notes. And the best part? They’re easy to make at home!

The first time I had yakitori, I was at a tiny izakaya tucked away in a back alley of Tokyo. The place was smoky, warm, and filled with the sound of sizzling skewers hitting the grill. I ordered a plate of chicken and green onion skewers, and as soon as I took a bite, I knew I had found a new favorite.

The chicken was juicy, slightly charred, and coated in a glossy tare sauce that had the perfect balance of salty and sweet. I could taste the hint of soy sauce, a touch of sake, and just the right amount of sweetness from the mirin. Ever since that night, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that authentic flavor at home. And let me tell you—these Japanese chicken skewers come pretty close!

So, if you’re looking to bring a taste of Japan to your kitchen, give these Japanese chicken skewers a try. They’re sure to impress your family and friends, just like they did for me!

Why You’ll Love Japanese Chicken Skewers

• Smoky, Juicy, and Flavor-Packed – Every bite is tender and delicious.
• Simple Yet Authentic – Just a few ingredients, but the taste is restaurant-quality.
• Quick and Easy to Make – Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute grilling.
• Customizable – Use different cuts of chicken or even add veggies.
• Perfect for Sharing – Great for BBQs, parties, or family dinners.

Health Benefits of Japanese Chicken Skewers

While Japanese chicken skewers taste indulgent, they’re actually a pretty healthy option:

• High in Protein – Chicken is a great source of lean protein to keep you full.
• Low in Carbs – A great choice for those watching their carb intake.
• Packed with Essential Nutrients – Soy sauce and mirin contain amino acids and minerals.
• Less Oil, More Flavor – Grilling keeps things light while locking in all the smoky goodness.
• Easy to Make Healthier – Swap out chicken skin for leaner cuts or add grilled veggies.

Best Occasions to Enjoy Japanese Chicken Skewers

These savory and satisfying skewers are perfect for:

• BBQs & Outdoor Grilling – A fun and flavorful addition to any cookout.
• Quick Weeknight Dinners – Fast, delicious, and pairs well with rice or salad.
• Game Nights & Gatherings – Easy to eat and always a crowd favorite.
• Japanese-Themed Meals – Pair with miso soup, rice, and a side of pickled veggies.
• Late-Night Cravings – A protein-packed snack that’s way better than fast food!

Chef’s Notes: Japanese Chicken Skewers

• Rest for better texture – Chilling the mixture before shaping meatballs helps firm them up and prevents them from falling apart.
• Tare sauce tip – Simmering longer enhances the depth of flavor. Make extra and store for future grilling sessions!
• Grill control – Keep a two-zone grill setup: one side hot for searing, the other cooler for finishing.
• Baste at the right time – Apply tare sauce toward the end to avoid burning the sugars.
• Skewer soaking hack – If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
• Pairing suggestions – Serve with steamed rice, a crisp cucumber salad, or miso soup for a complete meal.

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Japanese Chicken Skewers

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Main CourseCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

skewers

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Calories

532

kcal

Resting Time

5

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

55

minutes

Experience the vibrant burst of flavors with these Japanese Chicken Skewers that marry succulent ground chicken with a lavish, slowly simmered tare sauce. This dish elevates humble ingredients into an artful main course bursting with savory tang and aromatic spices. Designed for those who adore grilling adventures at home, these tender meatballs capture a delicate balance of heat and sweetness. Impress your guests at dinner parties or delight your family at a sunny picnic with this chef-approved recipe that promises a modern twist on a timeless classic.

Ingredients

• Tare Sauce Components

• 1/2 cup mirin an aromatic rice wine to bring subtle sweetness

• 1/2 cup soy sauce use a robust variety for deep umami

• 1/4 cup sake a light rice wine that enriches the flavor layer

• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar a hearty sweetener with molasses undertones

• 1 tbsp sherry vinegar for a bright, tangy snap

• 3 garlic cloves gently crushed and peeled

• 3 scallions roughly chopped for a fresh lift

• 1 inch fresh ginger paper-thinly sliced

• 1 tbsp whole black or white peppercorns for a peppery bite

• Meatball Mixture

• 1.5 lbs ground chicken thighs ensuring juicy, flavorful meatballs

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crisp texture

• 1/4 cup finely minced scallions adding a mild, herbal note

• 1 large egg lightly whisked to bind the mixture

• 2 tsp freshly grated ginger enhancing warmth and zest

• 2 tsp minced garlic providing a fragrant punch

• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil introducing a nutty aroma

• 1 tsp kosher salt to season evenly

• 1/2 tsp ground white pepper for a delicate heat

• Alternative Ingredients

• Mirin: Replace with a mix of rice wine vinegar and a small amount of sugar if unavailable.

• Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.

• Sake: Substitute with a dry sherry to retain depth.

• Dark Brown Sugar: Use white sugar combined with a dash of molasses.

• Sherry Vinegar: Swap with apple cider vinegar for a comparable tang.

• Ground Chicken: Ground turkey can work as a leaner option.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.

• Toasted Sesame Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil can be used though the flavor profile will differ.

• Egg: For an egg-free binding try a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

Directions

• Sauce Simmer – Begin by uniting all tare ingredients in a medium saucepan: add mirin, soy sauce, sake, dark brown sugar, sherry vinegar, garlic, scallions, ginger slices, and peppercorns. Bring this mixture to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat (approx. 5 minutes), then lower to a simmer and whisk gently while it reduces for about 45 minutes until it becomes a thick, syrupy glaze. Strain the sauce to remove solids and set aside; this step takes roughly 1 minute and helps concentrate the flavors.
• Mixture Assembly – In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with panko breadcrumbs, minced scallions, the beaten egg, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Drizzle in the toasted sesame oil, then season with kosher salt and ground white pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands (taking about 5–7 minutes) until the ingredients form a cohesive blend. Shape the mixture into roughly 1-inch meatballs and carefully thread three onto each pre-soaked skewer (this assembly process takes around 10 minutes). Optional: Chill the mixture for about 10 minutes to firm it up before forming if desired.
• Skewer Grilling – Preheat your charcoal grill until the coals are evenly covered by a light ash (approximately 5 minutes after setting up). Lightly oil the grill grate with a paper towel dipped in oil. Place the prepared meatball skewers onto the grill, ensuring secure positioning so they don’t fall off. Grill each side for about 3–4 minutes until a beautiful char forms (total grilling time around 12 minutes for all sides). In the final moments, brush the meatballs generously with the prepared tare sauce and allow them to cook an additional 15–30 seconds per side (about 2 minutes total). Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes to reabsorb the juices before serving.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

Notes

• For optimal grill marks, always ensure that your charcoal is fully ashed over before placing the skewers on the grill. A light brushing of extra tare sauce right before serving enhances the caramelized finish. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp cucumber salad or steamed rice, and you can further elevate it by sprinkling a few toasted sesame seeds or a dash of chili oil over the finished skewers for an extra kick. Enjoy the balance of sweet and savory notes in every bite!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 532kcal
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Potassium: 350mg
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 48g
• Vitamin A: 200IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 40mg
• Iron: 2mg

FAQs: Japanese Chicken Skewers

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