Chicken Yakitori

When people think of Japanese food, they usually think of sushi, but have you ever heard of chicken yakitori?

This amazing grilled chicken dish proves that there is a lot more to this wonderful cuisine than meets the eye.

Delicious succulent chicken skewers served with a rich yakitori sauce on the side. This dish is incredibly easy yet oh-so satisfying!

Why you'll love this chicken yakitori recipe

• These juicy chicken skewers are so tender and delicious
• Yakitori sauce is to die for
• It's an incredibly easy recipe to put together

How to make this chicken yakitori recipe

What to serve with chicken yakitori

Accompaniments

1. White Rice: Classic steamed white rice is a perfect base to soak up the yakitori sauce.
2. Brown Rice: For a healthier option, serve with steamed brown rice.
3. Soba: Cold or hot soba noodles tossed in a light soy sauce dressing.
4. Udon: Warm udon noodles in a mild broth or lightly stir-fried.
5. Ramen: Serve with a simple soy-based or miso-based broth.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Grilled bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and asparagus.
7. Pickled Vegetables: Japanese pickles such as tsukemono, pickled ginger, or kimchi.
8. Salad: Fresh green salad with a sesame dressing or a cucumber and seaweed salad.
9. Miso Soup: Traditional miso soup with tofu, seaweed, and green onions.
10. Clear Soup: A light broth with mushrooms, spinach, and a hint of soy sauce.

Garnishes

1. Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the yakitori for added texture and flavor.
2. Chopped Green Onions: Finely chop green onions to add a fresh and mild onion flavor.
3. Shichimi Togarashi: A Japanese spice blend that adds a bit of heat and complexity.
4. Nori (Seaweed): Finely shredded nori sprinkled on top adds a savory umami flavor.

Dipping Sauces

1. Extra Yakitori Sauce: Serve extra yakitori sauce on the side for additional dipping.
2. Ponzu Sauce: A tangy citrus-based soy sauce that complements the flavors of yakitori.
3. Wasabi Mayo: mixture of wasabi and mayonnaise for a spicy, creamy dip.

Beverage Pairings

1. Japanese Green Tea: Hot or iced green tea is a traditional and refreshing pairing.
2. Sake: A glass of chilled sake complements the flavors of the yakitori.
3. Beer: Light, crisp beers such as Japanese lagers (e.g., Asahi, Sapporo) are excellent choices.
4. Plum Wine: Sweet and slightly tangy plum wine pairs well with the savory-sweet yakitori.

Additional Dishes

1. Edamame: Lightly salted and steamed edamame beans as a simple starter.
2. Gyoza: Pan-fried dumplings with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce.
3. Tempura: Lightly battered and fried vegetables or shrimp for a crispy side.
4. Onigiri: Rice balls filled with pickled plum, salmon, or other fillings.

Variations to this recipe

• Spicy Yakitori: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of sriracha to the yakitori sauce for a spicy kick.
• Garlic and Ginger Yakitori: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and ½ teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the yakitori sauce for enhanced flavor.
• Teriyaki-Style Yakitori: Add 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice to the sauce for a teriyaki-style sweetness.
• Sesame Yakitori: Stir in 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil to the yakitori sauce and sprinkle the finished skewers with toasted sesame seeds.
• Vegetarian Yakitori: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or other favorite vegetables. Follow the same marinating and cooking instructions.
• Beef or Pork Yakitori: Replace chicken with beef or pork pieces. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as different meats may require longer or shorter cooking times.
• Sweet Yakitori: Increase the amount of brown sugar by 1-2 tablespoons for a sweeter sauce.
• Citrus Yakitori: Add 1 tablespoon of orange or lemon juice to the sauce for a citrusy twist.

Popular substitutions

• Gluten-Free Soy Sauce or Tamari: For a gluten-free option, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: To reduce the sodium content, use a low-sodium soy sauce.
• Rice Vinegar and Sugar: If mirin is not available, use 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar plus ½ teaspoon of sugar for every tablespoon of mirin required.
• White Wine and Sugar: Another substitute is a mixture of white wine and sugar (1 tablespoon of white wine plus ½ teaspoon of sugar).
• Dry Sherry: Dry sherry can be used as a substitute for sake.
• Chinese Rice Wine: Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing wine) is another suitable alternative.
• Additional Mirin or Water: For a non-alcoholic option, replace sake with additional mirin or water.
• White Sugar: White sugar can be used as a direct substitute.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: These can be used for a different flavor profile, keeping in mind that they are sweeter than brown sugar.

How do you store and reheat chicken yakitori?

Storage:

1. Refrigeration:
   • Allow the cooked chicken yakitori to cool to room temperature.
   • Transfer the chicken skewers to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
   • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
   • Leftover sauce will keep in the fridge in a mason jar for a 2-3 months.

Freezing:

1. To Freeze:
   • Allow the cooked chicken yakitori to cool completely.
   • Remove the chicken pieces from the skewers for easier storage.
   • Place the chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
   • Transfer the frozen chicken pieces to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
   • Label the container with the date.
   • Freeze for up to 2 months.
2. To Thaw:
   • Transfer the frozen chicken yakitori to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
   • Alternatively, for a quicker thaw, place the sealed container or bag in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.

Reheating:

1. Stovetop:
   • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
   • Add a small amount of oil to the pan.
   • Reheat the thawed chicken pieces, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Baste with additional yakitori sauce if desired.
2. Oven:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Place the thawed chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
   • Reheat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
   • Optionally, broil for the last 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
3. Microwave:
   • Place the thawed chicken pieces in a microwave-safe dish.
   • Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leave a small vent).
   • Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring or turning the pieces in between, until heated through.
4. Air Fryer:
   • Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
   • Place the thawed chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
   • Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is heated through and slightly crispy.
   • Baste with additional yakitori sauce if desired.

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