Yaki Tori(Grilled Chicken)
Yaki Tori features tender grilled chicken skewers glazed with a savory soy and sake sauce, perfect for BBQs or casual gatherings, highlighting rich umami flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1/2-inch pieces and green onions into 1-inch pieces.
- Place chicken and green onions on skewers.
- Combine soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and mirin in a saucepan and boil for about 5 minutes to make the sauce.
- Grill chicken and green onions, brushing with the sauce twice during grilling.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce, sake, and sugar mixture for at least 30 minutes before grilling. If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, consider adding a tablespoon of honey. For a vegetarian option, substitute tofu or mushrooms in place of chicken. Ensure your grill is preheated for even cooking and to achieve those beautiful char marks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Yaki Tori hot off the grill with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Vegetable for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve with extra sauce for dipping. For a refreshing drink, consider pairing it with a light beer or a chilled sake.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a grill or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yaki Tori(Grilled Chicken) contains roughly 156 calories, with 6g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1781mg per serving (77% 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 chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may dry out more quickly than thighs. Consider marinating for a bit longer to keep them juicy. Also, monitor the grilling time closely as breasts cook faster than thighs.
What other vegetables can I grill with Yaki Tori?
You can grill bell peppers, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes alongside the chicken. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. Skewering a mix of chicken and vegetables makes for a colorful and delicious presentation.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before using it for basting while grilling. This makes the grilling process quicker and allows the flavors to meld 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).