Chicken Yakitori Recipe – Japanese Chicken Skewers
Chicken Yakitori is a flavorful Japanese appetizer that combines tender chicken with a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy marinade. This delightful dish is skewered, grilled to perfection, and glazed with a savory sauce, making it a popular choice for any occasion. With the mix of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar, these skewers offer a smoky-sweet taste that will leave you wanting more. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, Chicken Yakitori brings a taste of Japan to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 400 grams (cut into 2-inch cubes) |
| For the Marinade: | |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Ginger (minced) | 1/2 inch |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Red wine | 2 tablespoons |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 2 tablespoons |
| Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| For the Sauce: | |
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 1 teaspoon |
| Corn flour (cornstarch) | 2 teaspoons |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Red Chilli sauce | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 23g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by washing and cleaning the chicken cubes thoroughly. Make sure they are cut into even 2-inch pieces for uniform cooking. Set the chicken aside. -
Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, black pepper powder, red wine, brown sugar, and vinegar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well incorporated.
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse the chicken. -
Prepare Skewers:
Soak wooden skewers in a bowl of water for 15-20 minutes to prevent them from burning while grilling. This step is important for ensuring the skewers stay intact and cook the chicken properly. -
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, ensuring there is a little space between each cube to allow for even cooking. Grill the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown with grill marks. Keep basting the chicken with the marinade during grilling for extra flavor. -
Prepare the Sauce:
While the chicken is grilling, heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
In a separate bowl, dissolve the corn flour in the water to make a slurry. Pour this mixture into the saucepan with the garlic and add the red chili sauce. Stir continuously and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Once done, remove from heat. -
Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked and beautifully charred, transfer the skewers to a serving plate. Drizzle the prepared sauce generously over the skewers or serve the sauce on the side as a dipping option. -
Enjoy:
Serve the Chicken Yakitori hot, alongside steamed rice or a fresh salad, and enjoy the rich and vibrant flavors of this traditional Japanese dish!
Cooking Tips:
- If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of red chili sauce in the marinade or the sauce.
- You can also substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
- For an added touch, sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions over the grilled skewers before serving.
This Chicken Yakitori recipe captures the essence of Japanese cuisine, offering an irresistible blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Perfect for entertaining or a casual dinner, these skewers are sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!
