Grilled Chicken Yakitori with Savory Tare Sauce

Lora Lopez

Posted on March 6, 2025

Grilled Chicken Yakitori with Savory Tare Sauce

When the sun begins to shine and the grill comes out, the craving for something delicious and flavorful often hits. One of the best ways to satisfy that craving is with Grilled Chicken Yakitori with Savory Tare Sauce. This Japanese dish, known for its skewered chicken, is not only easy to make but also packed with rich flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to Japan. The combination of tender chicken thighs, a sweet and savory tare sauce, and a smoky grill finish makes for a dish that’s perfect for any occasion be it a casual family dinner or a festive backyard barbecue.

The beauty of yakitori lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s a dish that allows you to explore different flavors and ingredients, making it a favorite among cooks of all skill levels. Plus, the tare sauce, made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and garlic, creates a glaze that brings out the best in the chicken. With this recipe, you’ll not only impress your guests but also create memories around the grill that will last a lifetime. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love Grilled Chicken Yakitori with Savory Tare Sauce, but here are a few that stand out:

Flavor Explosion: The savory tare sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and salty, enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken. Each bite is a burst of umami that will keep you coming back for more.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
Healthy and Wholesome: Chicken thighs provide a juicy and tender meat option that is lower in calories compared to other cuts. Combined with fresh green onions and a homemade sauce, this dish offers a healthier alternative to takeout.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the skewers! Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms can easily be interspersed with the chicken for added color and nutrition.
Perfect for Entertaining: Yakitori is traditionally served as street food in Japan but is also a hit at parties and gatherings. Impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re still on the fence about trying Grilled Chicken Yakitori with Savory Tare Sauce, consider the following:

A Taste of Japan: This dish is a staple in Japanese cuisine, and making it at home allows you to experience authentic flavors without stepping out of your kitchen.
Great for Meal Prep: Yakitori can be made in bulk and stored for later. Just grill the chicken and sauce in advance, and you can enjoy a quick meal throughout the week.
Family-Friendly: Kids love skewers! This recipe is a fun way to introduce new flavors to young eaters. You can even let them help thread the chicken onto the skewers for a fun family activity.
Perfect for All Seasons: Whether you’re grilling in the summer or cooking indoors in the winter, yakitori is a versatile dish that fits any season. Use a grill pan or broiler in cooler months.
Delicious Leftovers: If you happen to have leftovers, they make for an excellent addition to salads, rice bowls, or sandwiches the next day.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To make Grilled Chicken Yakitori with Savory Tare Sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
2 tablespoons sake (Japanese rice wine)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 green onion, chopped
Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Recommended Tools or Utensils for Recipe Success:

Grill or grill pan
Small saucepan for the tare sauce
Mixing bowl for marinating
Measuring cups and spoons
Chopping board and knife for cutting chicken and vegetables

Having these ingredients and tools ready will ensure that your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have your ingredients and utensils, let’s break down the steps to make Grilled Chicken Yakitori with Savory Tare Sauce.

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches. This size ensures even cooking and makes for easy eating.
Make the Tare Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour half of the tare sauce over the chicken. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor. Marinating not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.
Prepare the Skewers: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Take the soaked bamboo skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. This spacing allows the heat to circulate and cook the chicken thoroughly.
Grill the Chicken: Before grilling, lightly brush the grill grates with sesame oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, basting with the reserved tare sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks.
Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Drizzle with any remaining tare sauce and sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving. This final touch adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to your dish.

FAQs

What is chicken yakitori?

Chicken yakitori is a popular Japanese dish consisting of skewered and grilled chicken, typically seasoned with soy sauce or tare, a sweet and savory glaze. It’s often served as street food or at izakayas (Japanese pubs).

Can I use other types of meat for yakitori?

Yes, while chicken is the most common meat used in yakitori, you can also use pork, beef, or even vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for a delicious variation.

Is yakitori healthy?

Yes, yakitori can be a healthy option, especially when made with lean cuts of meat and fresh vegetables. It’s grilled rather than fried, which helps to keep the dish lower in calories.

How do you store leftover yakitori?

Leftover yakitori can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the grill for best results.

Can I make yakitori sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the tare sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld together even more!

Conclusion

In summary, Grilled Chicken Yakitori with Savory Tare Sauce is a delightful dish that combines ease and flavor, making it a must-try for both seasoned cooks and beginners. The sweet and savory tare sauce elevates the grilled chicken to new heights, and the recipe is versatile enough to accommodate various preferences. So why not fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and enjoy this deliciously simple dish together? Don’t forget to comment below with your thoughts or share the article with friends who love to cook!

For more delicious recipe ideas, check out this Pinterest page. Happy cooking!

If you’re interested in more skewered delights, you might enjoy these recipes: Thai Chicken Satay with Creamy Peanut Dipping Sauce and Korean BBQ Beef Skewers with Spicy Scallion Sauce.