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Japanese BBQ Chicken Thighs

A flavorful recipe that combines tender, marinated chicken thighs with a homemade Japanese BBQ sauce for a delicious grilling experience.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Grilling, Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 310
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the marinade
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces Choose organic for best flavor.
  • 4 tbsp Japanese BBQ sauce Yoshida's Gourmet Sauce is recommended.
  • 1.5 tbsp soy sauce Use low-sodium if preferred.
  • 1 tbsp sriracha Adjust for more heat.
  • 6 cloves garlic, freshly minced The more, the merrier!
  • 1/2 tbsp ginger, freshly grated
  • 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1/4 tsp red chili flakes For an added spicy kick.
  • to taste salt and pepper
For garnishing
  • toasted sesame seeds For serving.
  • green onions, thinly sliced For garnish.
  • Japanese BBQ sauce Extra for serving.
  • yum yum sauce For serving.

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a bowl or resealable bag, combine soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, toasted sesame oil, red chili flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Add the cut chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Opt for a resealable bag for easy mixing and marinating.
  3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 120-180 minutes (or overnight for even deeper flavor) in the refrigerator.
Preheat the Grill
  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat, aiming for 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare the Garnishes
  1. While the grill is heating, mince the green onions and set them aside.
  2. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden.
Grill the Chicken
  1. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and transfer it to the preheated grill.
  2. Grill for about 10-12 minutes total, flipping every 2-3 minutes for even cooking.
  3. In the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken pieces generously with the Japanese BBQ sauce.
Check for Doneness
  1. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serve
  1. Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and scatter the green onions on top.
  2. Serve with extra Japanese BBQ sauce and yum yum sauce on the side.

Notes

Marination time enhances flavors; leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days. Can be made gluten-free by using tamari.