
Classic Japanese grilled chicken skewers with tare
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4
12 skewers
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Classic Japanese grilled chicken skewers with tare
Juicy chicken thigh pieces skewered and grilled with a glossy sweet-soy tare glaze. The most popular yakitori at any Japanese izakaya.
20m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
30m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
(Updated )
Chicken thigh is the gold standard for yakitori because its higher fat content stays juicy over the intense heat. The tare glaze builds up in layers with each basting for maximum flavor.
Test Kitchen Pick
Thermometer
Helpful Tool
This is the kind of recipe where doneness changes the result fast. A quick thermometer helps you pull it at the right moment instead of guessing.
The easiest upgrade here is accuracy, not another pan.
If you cook meat or fish regularly, an instant-read thermometer gets used constantly.
Shop thermometer options for this recipeSimmer soy sauce, mirin, honey, and ginger in a small pan until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Thread chicken pieces tightly onto soaked bamboo skewers, keeping pieces close together.
Grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until chicken is cooked through.
Brush with tare sauce and grill 1 minute more per side until glaze is sticky and caramelized.
Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Serve with extra tare on the side.
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Leaner but dries out faster—watch cook time carefully
Any sweetener works to balance the soy sauce
Test Kitchen Pick
Mirin
Helpful Pantry Staple
Mirin quietly rounds out sauces like this with sweetness and gloss. It is one of those ingredients you notice more when it is missing.
This adds balance, not just sweetness.
A bottle of mirin becomes surprisingly versatile once it is in the pantry.
Shop mirin for this recipePack chicken pieces tightly on the skewer—this keeps the edges moist while the outsides char.
Use two parallel skewers per portion for easier flipping.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the grill or under a broiler for 3-4 minutes.
Per serving (120mg) · 4 servings
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →Some product links on this page may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate RecipePool earns from qualifying purchases.

American

American

Mexican

Mediterranean

Japanese