Chicken Yakitori Recipe – Japanese Chicken Skewers
Delight your taste buds with this authentic Chicken Yakitori recipe, a classic Japanese dish that combines tender marinated chicken grilled to perfection and coated in a savory-sweet sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or even as a part of your next meal spread, these chicken skewers are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (cut into 2-inch cubes) | 400 grams |
| 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 |
| Sunflower oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 1 teaspoon |
| Corn flour | 2 teaspoons |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Red chili sauce | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Japanese
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by washing and cleaning the chicken cubes thoroughly. Soak the wooden skewers in water for 15-20 minutes to prevent them from burning while grilling.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, black pepper powder, red wine, brown sugar, and vinegar. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
After 30 minutes of marination, take the chicken and carefully thread it onto the soaked wooden skewers. Do not discard the marinade – set it aside as it will be used later for the sauce.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat a grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, lightly brush the pan with sunflower oil. Place the skewers of marinated chicken onto the grill pan, ensuring they are spaced out. Cook the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally to ensure all sides are evenly cooked and the chicken is fully cooked through. Once done, remove the skewers from the pan and set aside to rest.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
To prepare the sauce, mix the corn flour with water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Heat a shallow frying pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Add the finely chopped garlic to the pan and sauté it until it turns light brown and fragrant.
Once the garlic is ready, pour in the remaining marinade along with the red chili sauce. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once it begins to boil, slowly add the corn flour slurry, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for a few minutes. Once it reaches a nice, thick consistency, turn off the heat. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer the cooked Chicken Yakitori to a serving platter. Pour the thickened sauce over the skewers or serve it in a small bowl on the side for dipping. Serve hot, garnished with optional sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flair.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Yakitori is best enjoyed as an appetizer or snack, paired with other delicious Japanese dishes. Serve it alongside a hot Vegetable Manchow Soup for a hearty start to your meal. For a complete Japanese-inspired feast, pair it with a flavorful Sambal Spiced Veggie Mee Goreng as the main course.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Yakitori
-
Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While 30 minutes is the minimum, marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper, resulting in an even more flavorful dish.
-
Use High Heat: For crispy, caramelized edges, make sure the grill pan is well-heated before adding the chicken. This helps in achieving that perfect charred finish.
-
Adjust the Heat: The sauce’s spice level can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili sauce. For a milder version, start with half a tablespoon and taste the sauce before adding more.
-
Alternative Cooking Method: If you don’t have a grill pan, you can cook the skewers on a barbecue grill or even bake them in the oven. Just be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 8 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Chicken Yakitori is a delicious, protein-packed appetizer that is perfect for any gathering or casual meal. With its sweet and savory marinade and simple cooking technique, this dish is both flavorful and easy to prepare. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or entertaining guests, these skewers will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
