18 Japanese Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Grilled chicken thighs, or "yakitori" in Japanese, are a popular dish in Japanese cuisine. It's a simple yet delicious recipe that combines tender and juicy chicken thighs with a flavorful marinade and a smoky char from the grill. Whether you're planning a backyard BBQ or a cozy dinner at home, this Japanese grilled chicken thighs recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let's dive into the details and learn how to make this mouth-watering dish.
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
If you're looking for a unique and delicious way to cook chicken, look no further than this Japanese favorite – Yakitori. This simple yet flavorful dish is made by skewering bite-sized pieces of chicken and grilling them over hot coals. The secret to its success lies in the sweet and savory marinade that gives the chicken its signature taste.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Skewered Chicken/焼き鳥)
Main Ingredients: Boneless And Skinless Chicken Leg Meat, Scallions
Originating from Japanese street food culture, Yakitori is now a popular dish that can be found in restaurants all over the world. The key to making perfect Yakitori is to use quality chicken and to grill it over high heat to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior. You can also experiment with different types of sauces and toppings to create your own unique version of this delicious grilled chicken dish.
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Japanese Yaki Udon For Beginners
Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Sesame Oil, Garlic, Rice Vinegar, Pepper
Yaki Udon is a stir-fried noodle dish that is popular in Japanese cuisine. It's a great dish for beginners to try as it's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Thinly sliced chicken is often used in Yaki Udon, giving it a protein boost and adding a delicious texture to the dish. Serve it with a side of freshly grated ginger for an extra burst of flavor.
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Grilled Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Marinade, Olive Oil
If you're tired of the same old chicken breasts, why not switch things up and try grilling chicken thighs instead? They are often overlooked, but they are actually more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts. Marinate them with your favorite spices and herbs, then throw them on the grill for a quick and tasty meal that the whole family will love.
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Yakiniku (Japanese Grilled Meat or BBQ)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Drumsticks, Scallion, Miso Paste, Sake
Yakiniku is a popular Japanese style of grilling bite-sized pieces of meat, often beef or pork, over an open flame. It's a fun and interactive way to cook, as each person can grill their own meat to their desired level of doneness. For a twist on this classic dish, try using chicken instead of beef or pork. The result is a delicious and healthier version of Yakiniku that is sure to impress.
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Japanese Farm-Style Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Main Ingredients: Teriyaki, Portobellos, Chicken Thighs, Shitake
This dish is a combination of two Japanese favorites – grilled teriyaki chicken and rice bowls. The chicken is marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce before being grilled to perfection. Serve it over a bed of rice and top it with some fresh vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
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GRILLED JAPANESE FARM STYLE TERIYAKI BOWL
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Portobellos, Shitake Mushrooms, Soy
Similar to the previous recipe, this grilled teriyaki bowl is made with a variety of farm-fresh ingredients. The chicken is marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection. The addition of freshly chopped vegetables and a soft-boiled egg makes this dish a well-rounded and delicious option for any meal.
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Miso Marinated Grilled Chicken with Japanese Pickles
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Thighs, White Miso, Mirin, Sake, Soy
This recipe takes a classic grilled chicken dish and adds a Japanese twist with a miso marinade and Japanese pickles as a side. The tangy and salty flavors of the pickles complement the umami taste of the chicken perfectly. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household.
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Japanese Grilled Chicken Skewers (Yakitori) with...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Green Onions, Shishito Peppers
Yakitori is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. This recipe uses chicken, vegetables, and pineapple to create a colorful and delicious skewer. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes this dish a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any barbecue or dinner party.
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Perfect Grilled Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Lemon, Lime, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
As mentioned earlier, chicken thighs are often overlooked in favor of chicken breasts. But when grilled to perfection, they are incredibly flavorful and tender. This recipe uses a simple marinade of soy sauce, garlic, and honey to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken. Serve it with some grilled vegetables for a healthy and delicious meal.
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Sous Vide Grilled Chicken Breasts With Japanese Glaze...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Sake
If you're looking for a foolproof way to cook chicken breasts, try using a sous vide machine. This method ensures that the chicken is cooked evenly and remains juicy and tender. Finish it off on the grill with a homemade Japanese glaze for an extra layer of flavor. Serve it with some rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
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Chicken Yakitori
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Water, Mirin, Rice Vinegar, Light Brown
This traditional Yakitori recipe uses a sweet and tangy sauce made with sake, soy sauce, and mirin to marinate the chicken. The result is a flavorful and tender dish that is perfect for any occasion. The best part? It's super easy to make, so you can enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine in the comfort of your own home.
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Easy Grilled Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Bone In Chicken Thighs, Seasoning
If you're short on time but still want a delicious and healthy meal, this recipe is for you. The chicken thighs are marinated in a simple yet tasty mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then grilled to perfection. Serve it with some steamed rice and vegetables for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Grilled Chicken Meat Balls (Yakitori)
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Eggs, Salt, All Purpose Flour, Corn Starch
This recipe puts a twist on classic Yakitori by using ground chicken to make bite-sized meatballs. The meatballs are grilled on skewers and basted with a homemade teriyaki sauce for a burst of flavor. Serve it with some steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
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Japanese Ramen with Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Sesame
Ramen is a popular Japanese noodle dish that is enjoyed all over the world. This recipe takes it to the next level by adding grilled chicken as a protein source. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce before being grilled and added to the ramen. Top it off with some soft-boiled eggs and green onions for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Drumsticks, Scallion, Miso Paste, Sake
This recipe uses a variety of meats, including chicken, beef, and pork, to create a delicious Japanese-style barbecue. The meats are marinated in a homemade sauce and grilled to perfection. Serve it with some steamed rice and grilled vegetables for a complete and flavorful meal.
If you're a fan of spicy food, this recipe is for you. The ramen is made with a spicy miso broth and topped with grilled chicken, soft-boiled eggs, and green onions. The combination of spicy and savory flavors makes this dish a standout and a must-try for any ramen lover.
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Yakitori Chicken
Main Ingredients: Bamboo, Sauce, Saki, Mirin, Garlic Cloves, Fresh
This simple yet tasty Yakitori recipe uses a homemade marinade made with soy sauce, sugar, and sake. The chicken is grilled on skewers and basted with the marinade for a burst of flavor. Serve it with a side of steamed rice and grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Yakitori Chicken Thighs (Momo) and Thighs with Green...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Scallions, Kosher Salt, Soy Sauce
This recipe uses chicken thighs in two different ways – as traditional Yakitori skewers and as a main dish served with green beans and sesame seeds. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce before being grilled to perfection. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home.
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Chicken Teriyaki
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Sake, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Brown Sugar, Sesame
Last but not least, we have a classic Japanese dish – Chicken Teriyaki. This recipe uses boneless chicken thighs for a juicy and flavorful result. The chicken is simmered in a homemade teriyaki sauce until it's tender and coated in a delicious glaze. Serve it with some rice and steamed vegetables for a satisfying and tasty meal.
Preparing the Chicken Thighs
Choosing the Right Cut
When it comes to making grilled chicken thighs, it's important to choose the right cut of meat. Look for boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they are easier to work with and cook more evenly. You can also use bone-in thighs, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Marinating the Chicken
Marinating the chicken is the key to adding flavor and ensuring that the meat stays tender and juicy. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create a delicious marinade. Place the chicken thighs in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Massage the marinade into the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Preparing the Grill
While the chicken is marinating, prepare your grill. Make sure it's clean and lightly oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking. If using a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. For a charcoal grill, wait until the coals turn white before grilling the chicken.
Grilling the Chicken Thighs
Direct Heat Method
Once the grill is ready, remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Brush the chicken with the remaining marinade while grilling for an extra burst of flavor.
Indirect Heat Method
For a smokier flavor, you can use the indirect heat method. Place the chicken on the cooler side of the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This method will take a bit longer, but you'll get a nice char on the outside and tender, juicy meat on the inside.
Serving the Grilled Chicken Thighs
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. You can serve it as is or with a side of steamed rice and some Japanese pickles. For a complete meal, add some grilled vegetables and teriyaki sauce on the side. The options are endless, so get creative and enjoy your delicious Japanese grilled chicken thighs!
In conclusion, this Japanese grilled chicken thighs recipe is a must-try for any BBQ or Japanese food lover. With its simple marinade and grilling techniques, you'll have a flavorful and tender dish that will impress your family and friends. Give it a try and taste the deliciousness of yakitori for yourself!
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