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Savory Chicken Yakitori with Soy-Garlic Glaze Recipe

4.8 from 102 reviews

Chicken Yakitori is a classic Japanese dish featuring tender chicken pieces skewered and grilled to perfection, then basted with a savory-sweet soy sauce infused with garlic. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect for grilling enthusiasts and lovers of Japanese cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic until the sugar is dissolved, creating a savory and sweet glaze.
  3. Skewer the Chicken: Thread the chicken pieces onto bamboo or metal skewers, leaving some space between pieces for even cooking.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is well-oiled to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side. During grilling, baste the chicken generously with the soy-garlic sauce to build layers of flavor and keep the meat moist.
  6. Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and caramelized from the sauce, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner option, though thighs remain more tender and flavorful.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce to your taste for sweetness.
  • Add a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds as garnish for extra flavor and presentation.

Keywords: chicken yakitori, Japanese grilled chicken, soy garlic chicken skewers, easy yakitori recipe, grilled chicken skewers