Chicken Teriyaki

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Japanese-Style Grilled or Broiled Chicken Kebabs, also known as Yakitori. This delicious recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a favorite among many Americans. With a preparation time of just about 20 minutes, these kebabs are an excellent choice for a quick and scrumptious weeknight dinner. The recipe features boneless chicken thighs, legs, breasts, or tenders, which are marinated in a delightful mixture of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar, creating an explosion of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

The versatile nature of this recipe allows you to use other proteins such as boneless turkey breasts or thighs, pork chops, or even tuna or sirloin steaks, providing you with endless possibilities to customize your kebabs according to your preferences. Once marinated, the chicken is threaded onto skewers, creating a visually appealing presentation and ensuring even cooking on the grill or under the broiler.

Whether you opt to marinate the chicken beforehand or proceed with immediate cooking, these kebabs are cooked to perfection on a charcoal or gas grill or the broiler. As the chicken cooks, it is basted frequently with the delectable sauce, infusing every bite with irresistible flavors. The sauce, a blend of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar, is reduced to a thick, rich glaze that coats the chicken, adding a delectable sweetness to the dish.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: About 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup sake or slightly sweet white wine, like a German Kabinett or Spätlese (use water if necessary)
• 1/3 cup mirin (or 3 tablespoons honey mixed with 3 tablespoons water)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• About 11/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, legs, breasts, or tenders
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar, creating a delightful marinade that will infuse the chicken with irresistible flavors. For even more depth of taste, marinate the chicken in this mixture for at least 2 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator, turning the meat occasionally for an even distribution of flavors. If you’re short on time, you can proceed with cooking without marinating the chicken in the sauce.
2. As the marinade works its magic on the chicken, soak wooden skewers (at least 8) in warm water if you’re using wood. Soaking the skewers prevents them from burning during the cooking process.
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread it onto the skewers, creating visually appealing kebabs that will ensure even cooking.
4. Heat a charcoal or gas grill or use the broiler, placing the rack about 4 inches from the heat source. Grill or broil the skewers, basting the chicken frequently with the sauce and turning them every 2 to 3 minutes for even cooking. The total cooking time should be around 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Once the kebabs are grilled or broiled to perfection and the chicken is cooked through, give the meat one final baste, ensuring it is perfectly coated with the delicious sauce. Serve the Japanese-Style Grilled or Broiled Chicken Kebabs hot or at room temperature, with or without a sprinkling of grated lemon zest for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.

Embrace the taste of Japan in the comfort of your home with these succulent Yakitori-inspired Grilled or Broiled Chicken Kebabs. The tender and flavorful chicken, combined with the delightful sweetness of the sauce, creates a dining experience that will transport you to the streets of Japan. Whether enjoyed with plain short-grain brown or white rice or alongside your favorite sides, these kebabs are sure to be a hit with family and friends. So, fire up the grill or preheat the broiler, and treat yourself to an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine with this mouthwatering recipe.