Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! There’s something undeniably satisfying about food on a stick, and these Juicy Glazed Chicken Skewers are the perfect example of that. Inspired by the incredible flavors of Japanese yakitori, this recipe combines tender chicken with a sweet, savory, and sticky glaze that is completely irresistible. They’re perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or broiling, making them a fantastic, crowd-pleasing option for a summer BBQ, a quick weeknight dinner, or a fun appetizer.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this recipe is its perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. The homemade yakitori-style sauce is the star of the show. It’s a simple blend of soy sauce, mirin, and a few other pantry staples that cooks down into a beautiful, thick glaze that clings to every piece of chicken. The chicken thighs are my secret weapon here—they stay incredibly juicy and tender, even with a quick cook time. This recipe is also a fun, interactive way to serve dinner, and it’s a great way to get a flavorful, healthy meal on the table in a flash.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Wooden or metal skewers
Yakitori Sauce
- 60 ml soy sauce
- 60 ml mirin (Japanese rice wine)
- 60 ml sake
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are highly recommended here for their fat content, which keeps them juicy. You can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them.
- Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Mirin & Sake: These Japanese ingredients are crucial for the authentic flavor of the sauce. You can find them in most Asian markets or in the international aisle of your grocery store.
- Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the sauce. You can also use honey or granulated sugar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Set aside a small amount of the sauce for brushing on the skewers later.
- Prep the Chicken: While the sauce is simmering, cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Thread the chicken onto the skewers, about 4-5 pieces per skewer.
- Cook the Skewers: Preheat a grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Glaze and Finish: During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the skewers generously with the reserved sauce. Continue to cook, turning and brushing, until the chicken is cooked through and a beautiful, sticky glaze has formed.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave a little space between the chicken pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Marinate if You Have Time: While this recipe is delicious without it, if you have the time, you can marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before grilling for an even deeper flavor.
- Use a Grill Pan for Easy Cleanup: A grill pan is a great option for a consistent sear and easy cleanup. You can also broil them in the oven.
- Watch the Glaze: The sauce contains sugar, so it can burn quickly. Keep a close eye on the skewers during the final glazing step.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Juicy Glazed Chicken Skewers are perfect on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. They would go great with a side of steamed rice, a simple cucumber salad, or roasted vegetables. For a full feast, serve them alongside other delicious meals like this Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole or some easy cheesy chicken sliders.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of these skewers are fantastic. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them gently in a skillet or in the microwave.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy easy, savory, and satisfying meals, you might also like these other recipes:
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is my favorite bowl of Southern comfort
- These Chicken Enchiladas are my go-to for cozy, crowd-pleasing dinners
- A light, tangy chicken salad I actually crave (and there’s no mayo in sight)
Final Thoughts
These Juicy Glazed Chicken Skewers are a perfect example of a simple recipe that delivers a huge payoff in flavor. They’re a no-fuss meal that is both healthy and incredibly satisfying. Give them a try, and I guarantee they will become a new favorite in your home.
What’s your favorite food to grill on a skewer? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as simple as they are delicious.
Juicy Glazed Chicken Skewers: The Best Yakitori-Inspired Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 60 ml soy sauce
- 60 ml mirin (Japanese rice wine)
- 60 ml sake
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, and minced ginger to create the glaze.
- Marinate the chicken pieces in the glaze for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat your grill, broiler, or pan over medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Cook the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
- Brush more glaze on the skewers during the last few minutes of cooking for added flavor.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
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