Chicken Yakitori
Chicken Yakitori is a flavorful Japanese-inspired dish featuring tender marinated chicken grilled to perfection, glazed with a savory soy and brown sugar sauce. Paired with seasoned Hawaiian-style vegetables and garnished with almonds and parsley, it offers a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and umami flavors perfect for a family dinner or special gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan over low heat, stir together the brown sugar, soy sauce, cold water, 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and dry mustard until the sugar is dissolved.
- Cool the mixture to room temperature.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken in a bowl and marinate at room temperature for 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the broiler and place the vegetables at the center of a broiler pan.
- Place a rack over the vegetables and brush them with oil.
- Add the marinated chicken on top of the rack and brush it with oil.
- Cook the chicken for 20 minutes, turning once and basting often.
- In a separate pan, combine the rice and hot water, then drizzle with some of the marinade.
- Place the rice and vegetables near the chicken and cook for about 15 minutes, turning the chicken and stirring the rice occasionally. The chicken will become quite dark.
- Serve the chicken and rice on a platter, sprinkled with slivered almonds and minced parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar to the marinade. If you want to switch things up, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken. Also, feel free to substitute the frozen Hawaiian-style vegetables with fresh bell peppers and zucchini for a crunchier texture. Always keep an eye on the chicken while broiling to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken yakitori over a bed of the fried rice, garnished with slivered almonds and minced parsley for a pop of color and texture. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed edamame or a crisp cucumber salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with a light miso soup to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken yakitori can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, checking to ensure it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Yakitori contains roughly 560 calories, with 40g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (141% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2660mg per serving (116% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, while chicken is traditional for yakitori, you can easily substitute with pork or tofu for a vegetarian option. Make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose to ensure it is fully cooked.
What can I serve with the chicken yakitori?
In addition to fried rice, you can serve chicken yakitori with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. For a more filling meal, consider adding a side of dumplings or a simple noodle dish to round out the flavors.
How can I make the marinade spicier?
To add some heat to the marinade, consider incorporating a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. You can also add freshly grated ginger for an extra kick that complements the soy sauce beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).