Easy Yakitori
Easy homemade yakitori recipe with grilled chicken skewers and savory-sweet glaze. Gluten-free, anti-inflammatory, and ready in 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons raw honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon mirin (optional, or substitute additional honey)
- 1 pound scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, quartered
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden skewers 30 minutes before use)
Instructions
- 1
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- 2
Whisk together tamari, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and mirin in a medium bowl until the honey dissolves completely, about 2 minutes.
- 3
Divide the glaze mixture in half, reserving one portion for basting during cooking and setting the other aside as a finishing sauce.
- 4
Toss the chicken cubes with the reserved glaze portion and let them marinate for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the vegetables.
- 5
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with scallion pieces and mushroom quarters, leaving about half an inch between each component for even cooking.
- 6
Brush the assembled skewers with olive oil and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper on all sides.
- 7
Position your oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler element and preheat the broiler to high heat for 5 minutes.
- 8
Arrange the skewers on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one for heat circulation, and broil for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken develops light char marks on the exposed edges.
- 9
Rotate the skewers and broil for another 4 to 5 minutes, then brush the reserved glaze over all surfaces of the skewers.
- 10
Continue broiling for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- 11
Transfer the yakitori skewers to a serving platter and brush with any remaining reserved glaze for extra shine and flavor.
- 12
Sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh cilantro over the finished yakitori and serve immediately while the glaze is still warm and glossy.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mirin | Additional raw honey or coconut sugar | Mirin contains refined sugar; honey offers natural sweetness with beneficial enzymes and antimicrobial properties while maintaining blood sugar stability better than traditional mirin |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | Thighs contain more selenium and B vitamins while staying leaner than breast; they're more forgiving during cooking and provide better texture due to higher collagen content that supports gut health |
| Regular soy sauce | Tamari or coconut aminos | Tamari is gluten-free and lower in sodium than traditional soy sauce; coconut aminos provides amino acids and lower glycemic impact, supporting blood sugar regulation |
| Shiitake mushrooms | Oyster or maitake mushrooms | These varieties contain beta-glucans that support gut microbiome health and have strong anti-inflammatory properties comparable to shiitake but are often more affordable |
| Sesame oil | Avocado oil or macadamia nut oil | These oils contain higher proportions of monounsaturated fats and lower omega-6 ratios, reducing inflammation markers while maintaining high smoke points for cooking safety |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 368 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Protein | 43g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
