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.
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 – Honey brings in natural sweetness and helps create that crave-worthy caramelized glaze.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – Soy sauce brings umami depth to the table with just the right amount of salt.
- Minced Garlic – Because everything is better with garlic! It adds a punch of aromatic flavor.
- Vegetable Oil – Oil helps the marinade coat the wings evenly and prevents sticking while grilling.
- Lemons, Cut Into Wedges – Fresh citrus brightens up the dish. Try grilling the lemon halves for even more depth!
The Game Plan
Get ready to make yakitori chicken wings that will have everyone licking their fingers. Here’s how it all comes together.
- Boil the Chicken. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Cook the wings in batches, removing them once they float to the surface. Drain on a paper towel–lined baking sheet.
- Marinate. In a bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and oil. Divide the wings into double-bagged freezer bags and evenly distribute the marinade. Massage to coat and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours for max flavor).
- Grill to Perfection. Heat your grill to medium-high. Remove the wings from the marinade and grill each side for about 5 – 6 minutes until they’re sticky, caramelized, and have those perfect charred edges.
- Serve and Squeeze. Arrange the wings on a platter with lemon wedges. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the wings before digging in — grilled lemon halves add extra flair!
5S Philosophy 👩🏻🍳
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- Salt – The soy sauce brings the perfect amount of saltiness — no extra salt is needed!
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- Seasoning – The marinade works double duty by infusing the yakitori chicken wings with flavor while keeping them juicy.
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- Sauces – That sticky-sweet glaze is all thanks to the honey and soy sauce combo.
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- Swaps – Swap honey for maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness or use tamari for a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
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- 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.
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.
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.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Bake at a high temperature on a wire rack over a baking sheet for crispy results. Broil at the end for extra caramelization.
At least 2 hours is best, but overnight will give you the most flavor-packed wings.
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!
Yakitori Chicken Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 whole chicken wings
- 1 cup seasoned rice wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons Peanut or Vegetable Oil
- 3 lemons cut into wedges
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. 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
This is absolutely delicious! I love that it’s such a crowd pleaser for the whole family
Wonderful recipe! Thanks for sharing!
Love to hear that and thank you for swinging through to let us know!