The Chicken Yakitori recipe features tender pieces of chicken in a rich, homemade tare sauce. Perfectly grilled for that authentic char, these skewers are an irresistible balance of sweet and salty.
My Approach
This is a delicious way to hit your protein goals. These are flavor-packed meal prep essential. Grilled to perfection and brushed with a light, savory glaze, they offer a healthy alternative to takeout without sacrificing any of the traditional taste.
You can also watch the full step by step process on my YouTube channel. Check out the video here for a closer look at how I bring together the dinner from start to finish.
Easy Japanese Chicken Yakitori – High Protein Meal Prep
Description
These chicken yakitori skewers feature juicy, tender chicken thighs charred to perfection. The star of the show is the homemade sauce. A sweet savory glaze that caramelizes over the heat, creating a glossy, irresistible finish that is far better than takeout.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
The Sauce
How to Make It
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Prepare the Skewers
Submerge your bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from splintering or catching fire on the grill.
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Prep the chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into uniform 1 inch cubes.
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Simmer the Sauce
In a small saucepan, add the sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce to simmer. Let it cook for about 10 to 15 minutes until the liquid reduces by half and becomes a thick, glossy syrup.
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Assemble the Yakitori
Slice four pieces of chicken on to each skewer.
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Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium high heat. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until you see a nice golden brown char. Flip the skewers and begin brushing the cooked side generously with the sauce. Continue flipping and brushing the sauce. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 deg F.
Note
Tips for Success:
Chicken choice: For the best results, stick with chicken thighs. They contain more healthy fats and moisture than breasts ensuring the skewers stay tender even over the high heat of a grill.
The glaze: If you have extra sauce after grilling, it can be kept in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to two weeks.
