Name: Paleo Chicken Yakitori: Japanese Chicken Skewers (Whole30, Keto, AIP Option) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into flat 1-2 inch squares; 1 bunch green onions, cut into 1 inch pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste (omit pepper for AIP); Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (omit for AIP); 1/2 cup coconut aminos; 1/4 cup water; 1/4 cup rice vinegar (use apple cider vinegar or coconut vinegar for AIP); 1 pitted medjool date (substitute 1-2 tbsp honey if not Whole30); 1 tbsp tapioca starch; 1/2 inch fresh ginger; 1 garlic clove; Metal skewers or bamboo skewers (if bamboo, soak for 20 minutes before use)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 74 reviews

If you are looking for a dish that combines savory umami flavors with a tender, juicy bite, look no further than the Paleo Chicken Yakitori: Japanese Chicken Skewers (Whole30, Keto, AIP Option) Recipe. This recipe brings the vibrant tradition of Japanese street food right into your kitchen, using wholesome ingredients that cater to paleo, Whole30, keto, and AIP lifestyles. These skewers boast perfectly grilled chicken thighs glazed with a rich, tangy sauce that strikes a harmonious balance between sweet, salty, and slightly spicy. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe promises ease, flavor, and a touch of authentic Japanese flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several skewers of grilled chicken pieces and green onion pieces arranged closely on a grill or metal surface with a white marbled look. Each skewer has multiple chunks of browned, slightly charred chicken that are golden with grill marks, alternating with vibrant, slightly charred green onion sections that are dark green and light green. A woman's hand is brushing a shiny brown sauce over one of the chicken pieces using a brown silicone brush. The overall scene is warm and savory, highlighting the glossy texture of the sauce and the smoky grilled details of the chicken and onions. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, fresh ingredients form the heart of this recipe, providing layers of flavor and a beautiful balance of texture and color. Each component plays a crucial role, complementing the chicken and soaking up the delicious yakitori sauce.

Chicken thighs: Use boneless, skinless pieces for tender, juicy skewers that grill beautifully.
Green onions: Add a fresh, mild oniony crunch that pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken.
Salt and pepper: Season simply to enhance flavors; omit pepper for an AIP-friendly version.
Toasted sesame seeds: A nutty garnish that adds texture and depth; also omit for AIP.

For the Yakitori Sauce:

Coconut aminos: A paleo-friendly soy sauce alternative that gives umami richness.
Water: Balances the sauce consistency perfectly.
Rice vinegar: Adds necessary acidity; swap with apple cider or coconut vinegar for AIP.
Medjool date: Natural sweetness that caramelizes during cooking; swapped with honey if not following Whole30.
Tapioca starch: Thickens the sauce to a luscious glaze without overpowering.
Fresh ginger: Infuses warmth and a bit of zing into the sauce.
Garlic clove: A punch of aromatic flavor that complements the ginger and soy notes.

How to Make Paleo Chicken Yakitori: Japanese Chicken Skewers (Whole30, Keto, AIP Option) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Skewers

If you’re using bamboo skewers, it’s crucial to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Metal skewers work just as well and skip this soaking step. Preparing the skewers ahead saves time and ensures a smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Make the Yakitori Sauce

Place all the sauce ingredients into a blender — coconut aminos, water, vinegar, medjool date, tapioca starch, fresh ginger, and garlic. Blend until perfectly smooth. Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and bring it to a medium-high heat, letting it boil for about 3 minutes. This step thickens the sauce into a glossy, flavorful glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Step 3: Thread the Chicken and Onions

Alternate threading the chicken pieces and green onion segments onto your skewers. This balance lets each bite have a perfect mix of tender meat and fresh, slightly crisp onion. Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper over the skewers, remembering to omit pepper if you’re preparing the AIP version.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high and generously oil the grates to keep the chicken from sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook covered for 2 minutes, then flip and cook another 2 minutes. Brush one side of the skewers with your prepared yakitori sauce, cover, and cook for 2 more minutes before flipping and brushing the other side. Cook an additional 2 minutes to create a deliciously sticky glaze on all sides.

Step 5: Serve with a Finishing Touch

Once off the grill, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the skewers for a subtle nutty touch and pair with extra yakitori sauce on the side for dipping. The contrast of the rich glaze and the toasty seeds is irresistible.

How to Serve Paleo Chicken Yakitori: Japanese Chicken Skewers (Whole30, Keto, AIP Option) Recipe

Garnishes

Beyond the toasted sesame seeds, fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions can brighten up the dish. A wedge of lemon or lime adds a zesty pop that enhances the complex flavors of the yakitori sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or a vibrant crisp cucumber salad to contrast the grilled smokiness. Roasted vegetables or sautéed greens also make a balanced, colorful plate that complements the sweet-savory skewers.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve these skewers over a bed of mixed greens topped with avocado slices and a drizzle of extra sauce for a light, satisfying salad. Alternatively, create a yakitori platter with an array of grilled veggies and small dipping bowls for a shared, festive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Paleo Chicken Yakitori keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover and refrigerate any unused skewers and sauce separately.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, remove the skewers from the sticks and place the chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag with some of the sauce. They can be stored for up to 2 months without losing their flavor or texture.

Reheating

For the best taste, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, basting with reserved yakitori sauce to re-glaze the chicken. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the meat and alter the texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs are recommended because they stay juicy and tender when grilled. Breasts can dry out faster, so monitor cooking closely if you choose to use them.

What makes this recipe AIP friendly?

The recipe can be adapted for the Autoimmune Protocol by omitting pepper, sesame seeds, and swapping rice vinegar for apple cider or coconut vinegar to avoid potential irritants.

Is this recipe suitable for keto diets?

Absolutely. The recipe uses coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and includes low-sugar, paleo-friendly sweeteners like medjool dates (used sparingly), making it a perfect option for keto and Whole30 as well.

Can I cook these skewers indoors if I don’t have a grill?

Definitely! A grill pan or broiler works great indoors—just watch carefully to prevent burning. Cooking times are similar; turning the skewers often ensures even cooking and caramelization.

How spicy is the sauce?

This particular yakitori sauce has a mild warmth mainly from fresh ginger, so it’s not very spicy. You can easily add a dash of crushed red pepper or a splash of chili oil if you want to give it some heat.

Final Thoughts

Making the Paleo Chicken Yakitori: Japanese Chicken Skewers (Whole30, Keto, AIP Option) Recipe is an absolute joy. Its incredible layers of flavor paired with simple, nourishing ingredients make it a recipe you’ll want to return to time and again. Whether you are grilling for family, friends, or just yourself, these skewers bring a taste of Japan that fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. Grab your skewers and give this delightful dish a try—you won’t regret it!