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Mouthwatering Japanese BBQ Chicken Thighs: The Ultimate 5-Star Recipe

Mouthwatering Japanese BBQ Chicken Thighs (Yakitori-Style)

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  • Author: Linda
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 40
  • Total Time: 50
  • Yield: 4 servings (2 thighs each) 1x
  • Category: dinner
  • Method: Baking, Grilling, or Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: Japanese
  • Diet: Halal-friendly

Description

Tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed with a rich, savory-sweet non-alcoholic teriyaki-style sauce. This easy celebration of Japanese cuisine delivers a caramelized, umami-packed finish perfect for any occasion. Bring bold flavor to your table with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs/680g)
5 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
2 tablespoons mirin substitute (apple cider vinegar or non-alcoholic sweet rice cooking wine)
1 tablespoon sake substitute (water or non-alcoholic rice wine)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Pinch of white pepper (optional)


Instructions

Whisk soy sauce, mirin substitute, sake substitute, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and pepper in a bowl until sugar dissolves
Add chicken thighs to the marinade and stir to coat evenly
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor)
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill/pan to medium-high
Transfer chicken to oven/grill/pan and cook for 35-45 minutes, turning occasionally, until thighs are golden and reach 165°F (74°C) internal temperature
Baste occasionally with remaining marinade during cooking


Notes

For non-alcoholic mirin, mix 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar + 1 tsp brown sugar + 3 tbsp water
Add honey or maple syrup if extra sweetness is desired
Chicken thighs are ideal for their juiciness and ability to absorb marinade
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 chicken thighs
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg