Yakitori Chicken

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate chicken wing recipe, look no further. This Yakitori Chicken is packed with flavor, marinated to perfection, and finished on the grill for sticky, charred deliciousness everyone wants to dig into.

angled shot of yakitori chicken on wooden board with lemon


 

Ingredients Checklist 

Every great recipe starts with top-notch ingredients. These flavors work together to create wings that are sticky, savory, and so irresistible in this yakitori chicken. A full list of ingredients with measurements is available in the printable recipe card below.

  • Whole Chicken Wings – The star of the show, these wings have the perfect ratio of meat to skin for that crispy, juicy bite.
  • Seasoned Rice Wine Vinegar – This vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet acidity that balances the richness of the chicken.
  • Honey
  • Low-sodium soy sauce
  • Minced garlic
  • Vegetable oil
  • Lemons
overhead shot of yakitori chicken ingredients

5S Philosophy 👩🏻‍🍳

    • Salt – The soy sauce brings the perfect amount of saltiness — no extra salt is needed!

    • Seasoning – The marinade works double duty by infusing the yakitori chicken wings with flavor while keeping them juicy.

    • Sauces – That sticky-sweet glaze is all thanks to the honey and soy sauce combo.

    • Swaps – Swap honey for maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness or use tamari for a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

    • Senses – The smoky aroma of grilled wings mixed with the bright citrus scent of fresh lemon will have everyone gathering around before they’re even off the grill.

overhead shot of platter of yakitori chicken

Perfect Pairings 

These wings are the ultimate star of any meal, but they shine even brighter when paired with the right sides. Serve them alongside a refreshing cucumber tomato salad or a creamy Mexican corn salad to keep things fresh. 

Want to go all in on the grill? Try your yakitori chicken with herb grilled potatoes! And of course, no wing night is complete without a side of crispy homemade fries to soak up all that extra sauce.

overhead shot of platter of yakitori chicken
angled shot of yakitori chicken on wooden board with lemon

Yakitori Chicken Recipe

5 from 3 votes
Yakitori Chicken is a sweet and sticky chicken cooked on the grill. Made from a simple soy sauce marinade, it can be served as an entree or appetizer!
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fill a large pot or Dutch oven halfway with water, bringing to a rapid boil. Salt generously and then add half of the 16 whole chicken wings (or whatever fits, being careful not to crowd the pot or overflow).
  • Wings are done when they begin to float, approximately 15 minutes. Remove floating wings to a paper towel lined baking sheet and allow to cool and drain. Continue until all wings are cooked.
  • Use 4 larger freezer bags, double bagged to make two (chicken pieces poke through). Divide wings evenly, 8 and 8, into doubled bagged freezer bags.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup seasoned rice wine vinegar, 1/2 cup honey, 1 cup low sodium soy sauce, 2 teaspoons minced garlic and 2 tablespoons Peanut or Vegetable Oil Divide evenly between the two bags.
  • Massage the marinade into the chicken and place into the refrigerator for 2 hours-24 hours.
  • Remove the chicken from the bag and marinade, discarding the marinade. Heat the grill to medium high heat (about 350°F). Grill on each side for 5-6 minutes or until the chicken starts to look sticky and glazed. Remember it is already cooked, so you are just reheating and charring for flavor and presentation.
  • Serve with the 3 lemons. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice on chicken before eating. You can half the lemons are grill them for added visual appeal. Warmed lemons will actually produce more juice!
  • If you’ve tried this recipe, please leave us a comment and let us know how it went! 

Nutrition

Calories: 684 kcal, Carbohydrates: 47 g, Protein: 39 g, Fat: 37 g, Saturated Fat: 14 g, Cholesterol: 148 mg, Sodium: 2269 mg, Potassium: 548 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 37 g, Vitamin A: 300 IU, Vitamin C: 44.5 mg, Calcium: 61 mg, Iron: 3.8 mg
Author: Chef Jessica Formicola
Calories: 684
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: yakitori chicken
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!

Storage and Freezing

These wings store well for later snacking — if you have any left! Marinate the wings up to a day in advance for an even deeper flavor. You can also boil them ahead of time and grill just before serving.

How to Store

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Can I Freeze Yakitori Chicken?

Freeze marinated, uncooked wings in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.

hand squeezing lemon over chicken wings

Recipe FAQs 

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Yes! Bake at a high temperature on a wire rack over a baking sheet for crispy results. Broil at the end for extra caramelization.

How long should I marinate the wings?

At least 2 hours is best, but overnight will give you the most flavor-packed wings.

Can I use boneless wings instead?

You can, but they’ll cook much faster and won’t have the same juicy, crispy balance as bone-in wings.

More Chicken Recipes

On the prowl for more flavorful poultry? Check out these flavorful recipes that put fowl front and center! 

collage of yakitori chicken
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

5 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

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