Japanese · Lunch · Dinner
Glazed chicken and spring onion skewers inspired by Japanese yakitori.
WHAT YOU NEED
Ingredients adjusted for 4 servings
Read the complete method first. Measure all ingredients for Yakitori Chicken Skewers, prepare the listed equipment, and separate raw-food tools from ready-to-eat food.
STEP BY STEP
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. Cut 500 g chicken thighs into 3 cm pieces and cut 4 spring onions into similar lengths so all pieces cook at the same rate.
Make the glaze by combining 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon ginger and 3 tablespoons water in a small saucepan. Simmer for 4–6 minutes until slightly syrupy, then divide it into one portion for raw chicken and one clean portion for finishing.
Thread chicken and spring onion alternately onto the soaked skewers without packing them tightly. Keep the skewers refrigerated while the grill preheats.
Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Cook the skewers for 10–14 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes and brushing only with the raw-chicken glaze during the first half of cooking.
Continue until the chicken is browned, lightly charred at the edges and at least 75°C in the thickest piece. Discard any glaze or brush that touched raw chicken.
Brush the fully cooked skewers with the reserved clean glaze, rest for 3 minutes and serve carefully because the skewer tips remain hot.
Nutrition varies with portions and ingredient brands.
If food browns too quickly, lower the heat. If it is pale or watery, cook in smaller batches and allow excess moisture to evaporate before adding more ingredients.
Serve Yakitori Chicken Skewers at the temperature recommended in the method. Taste for seasoning only when the food is safe to sample, then add garnishes just before serving.
Cool leftovers promptly, transfer them to a clean airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours. Reheat only the portion needed until piping hot, and follow local food-safety guidance.
WHAT I LEARNED
Soaking wooden skewers helps prevent scorching.
SAFETY FIRST
Use adult help with the grill and verify chicken is cooked through.
