Japanese BBQ Chicken Recipe — Yakitori-Style Grilled Chicken

Japanese BBQ Grilled Chicken is an easy, flavor-packed grilling recipe that comes together with just a few ingredients.

Most of the bold flavor comes from Bachan’s Japanese BBQ sauce, which gives this chicken a distinct, savory-sweet profile.

This sauce is not like typical American BBQ sauce—if you haven’t tried it before, it’s worth picking up or substituting hoisin in a pinch.

How to make Japanese BBQ Grilled Chicken

I started with 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. You can use breasts if you prefer, but thighs stay juicier on the grill.

Along with the chicken you’ll need Bachan’s Japanese BBQ sauce (or hoisin), soy sauce, sriracha, garlic, ginger, kosher salt, and pepper.

ingredients for the marinade for the chicken

Place the chicken in a gallon-size plastic bag and add 3 tablespoons of Japanese BBQ sauce (or hoisin), 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon sriracha.

Add 4–5 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tablespoon grated ginger (optional), and season with kosher salt and pepper.

Massage the bag to coat the chicken evenly, seal, and refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors develop.

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken for about 10–12 minutes total, flipping a few times so it cooks evenly and develops a nice char.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Japanese BBQ Grilled Chicken before cooking

Finishing touches

I sprinkled sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the sliced chicken for color and texture. Those simple garnishes elevate the presentation and echo the flavors in the marinade.

We served the chicken with extra Japanese BBQ sauce and a side of yum yum sauce for dipping — both are excellent accompaniments.

This recipe is perfect for spring and summer grilling when the weather is nice and you want a simple, flavorful main course.

Related recipes you might enjoy

Grilled Philly Cheesesteak Enchiladas

Blackstone Potsticker Veggie Stir Fry

This griddle recipe uses a similar sauce to the one used in the grilled chicken, making it a great companion dish.

Grilled Tequila Glazed Chicken

Grilled Korean Chicken Thighs

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Japanese BBQ Grilled Chicken

Cheri Renee

An Asian-inspired grilled chicken recipe made with a simple, flavorful marinade for an easy weeknight or weekend meal.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Asian

Servings 4

Calories 334 kcal

Equipment

Grill

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
3 tablespoons Bachan’s Japanese BBQ sauce (or hoisin)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
4 to 5 cloves garlic minced
1/2 tablespoon grated ginger (optional)
kosher salt, pepper
Optional: sesame seeds, green onions, extra Japanese BBQ sauce, yum yum sauce

Instructions

Combine chicken, Japanese BBQ sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, garlic, ginger (if using), kosher salt, and pepper in a gallon bag. Massage to coat and marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Preheat the grill to medium. Grill chicken 10–12 minutes total, flipping a few times, until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
Serve topped with sesame seeds and green onions, and offer extra Japanese BBQ sauce or yum yum sauce for dipping.

Keyword Chicken, Easy, Grilled, Grilling Recipe, Japanese BBQ, Recipe, TikTok