Best Keto Chicken Yakitori Recipe – Quick Low Carb Meal

Unleash Your Inner Grill Master with Keto Chicken Yakitori! 🍢

Craving the smoky, savory, and subtly sweet magic of authentic Japanese Yakitori but steadfastly sticking to your keto goals? Get ready to satisfy those taste buds without derailing your diet! Our **Keto Chicken Yakitori** recipe brings all the irresistible flavors you love right to your low-carb lifestyle. Forget compromise – this recipe is a pure, unadulterated flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Prepare for tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a rich, glossy, sugar-free sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. It’s time to fire up the grill and transform your dinner into a culinary adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why this **Keto Chicken Yakitori** will become your new go-to, but here are four compelling ones to get you started:

1. Keto-Friendly & Flavorful: This recipe delivers all the classic umami and sweetness of traditional Yakitori without the hidden sugars and carbs. You won’t believe how much flavor is packed into every low-carb bite!
2. Effortlessly Delicious: With straightforward instructions and simple ingredients, even novice cooks can achieve perfectly grilled skewers. The marinating does most of the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with incredible taste.
3. Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, looking for a healthy weeknight dinner, or preparing impressive appetizers, these skewers are a surefire hit. Kids and adults alike will devour them!
4. Healthy & High-Protein: Packed with lean protein from chicken thighs, this dish keeps you feeling full and satisfied. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a gourmet meal that supports your health and fitness goals.

Ingredients

• 🍶 1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce
• 💧 1/4 cup water
• 🍯 1/4 cup brown sugar replacement
• ✨ 2 tablespoons allulose, or xylitol
• 🌰 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 🫚 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger, or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 🌶️ 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes
• 🧪 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum, or glucomannan
• 🍗 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 🌱 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
• 🧅 1 medium scallion, chopped

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions

1. Whisk Up the Savory Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the tamari (or soy sauce), water, brown sugar replacement, allulose (or xylitol), sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and hot pepper flakes. Bring this mix to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2. Thicken and Cool: Sprinkle the xanthan gum (or glucomannan) evenly over the boiling sauce and whisk vigorously until it’s well combined. Let it continue to boil for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow it to cool down completely.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place your bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl. Pour two-thirds of the cooled sauce over the chicken, tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld. Keep the remaining one-third of the sauce separate for serving.
4. Prepare Skewers (if using bamboo): If you’re using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least an hour before you start. This simple step helps prevent them from burning on the grill. You’ll need about 6 to 8 large skewers or 12 smaller, appetizer-sized ones.
5. Get the Grill Ready: Preheat your grill to a medium-high setting and lightly grease the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking. Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your prepared skewers.
6. Grill to Perfection: Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook for approximately 5 to 6 minutes per side, remembering to brush them frequently with the reserved marinating liquid as they cook. Grill until the chicken is beautifully browned and cooked through.
7. Serve with Flair: Transfer the delicious skewers to a platter. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped scallions. Serve immediately with the additional reserved sauce on the side for dipping!

Presenting Your Keto Chicken Yakitori

Serving your **Keto Chicken Yakitori** is as fun as making it! While the classic presentation on skewers is always a winner, here are a few other creative ways to showcase your culinary masterpiece:

• Traditional Skewers: The most authentic way! Serve the grilled skewers straight off the grill, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions, with the extra sauce for dipping. Perfect for parties and easy finger food.
• Yakitori Bowl: For a more substantial meal, slide the chicken pieces off the skewers and serve them over a bed of cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini noodles, or shirataki noodles. Drizzle generously with the reserved sauce.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a light and refreshing option, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine) along with the garnishes and sauce. The crunch adds a delightful contrast.
• Keto Skewers with Veggies: Elevate your skewers by adding keto-friendly vegetables like bell pepper chunks, zucchini slices, or thick-cut onions in between the chicken pieces before grilling. This adds color, texture, and extra nutrients.
• Appetizer Platter: Cut smaller skewers for an appetizer spread. Arrange them beautifully on a platter with small bowls of the dipping sauce, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and perhaps some keto-friendly pickled ginger.

Storage and Longevity

Got leftovers of your delicious **Keto Chicken Yakitori**? Lucky you! Here’s how to store them to enjoy later:

• Cool Down: Always allow the cooked chicken skewers to cool down completely before storing. This prevents condensation and helps maintain quality.
• Refrigeration: Place the chicken (either still on skewers or removed) in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze cooked Yakitori. Place the cooled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. It will last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can use a microwave for a quick warm-up (though it might make the chicken slightly less tender), or gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat. For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer at around 300-325°F (150-160°C) until heated through, which helps retain a nice texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes this Yakitori “Keto”?
   This recipe is made keto-friendly by replacing traditional high-sugar ingredients like mirin and sugar with brown sugar replacement and allulose (or xylitol), and using tamari which is typically lower in carbs than regular soy sauce. Xanthan gum also helps achieve the desired sauce thickness without starchy thickeners.
2. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
   Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but chicken thighs are recommended for their higher fat content, which keeps them juicier and more flavorful, especially on the grill. If using breast, be careful not to overcook it to avoid dryness, and you might need to adjust the grilling time slightly.
3. What if I don’t have a grill?
   No problem! You can cook your **Keto Chicken Yakitori** using a cast-iron grill pan on your stovetop, under the oven broiler (watch carefully to prevent burning!), or even in an air fryer. Adjust cooking times as needed until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully browned.
4. Are bamboo skewers necessary?
   Not at all. You can use reusable metal skewers, or if you prefer, simply cook the chicken pieces directly in a pan or on the grill without threading them onto skewers. The skewers just make for a fun presentation and easy handling.
5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   Absolutely! The sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes meal prep even easier – just pull it out when you’re ready to marinate your chicken.
6. What are good keto side dishes for Yakitori?
   Excellent keto side dishes include cauliflower rice, steamed broccoli or asparagus, a simple green salad with a keto-friendly dressing, sautéed spinach with garlic, or stir-fried keto vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
7. Is tamari essential, or can I use regular soy sauce?
   Tamari is typically gluten-free and often has a slightly richer, less salty flavor profile, making it a preferred choice for keto. Regular soy sauce often contains wheat and can have a higher carb count due to added sugars. If using regular soy sauce, check the label for carb content.
8. What is xanthan gum used for? Can I skip it?
   Xanthan gum is a keto-friendly thickener that gives the sauce its desirable glaze-like consistency. You can technically skip it, but your sauce will be much thinner, more like a liquid marinade than a thick glaze. Glucomannan is another good alternative.
9. How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
   To prevent sticking, make sure your grill grates are clean and hot, and lightly grease them with a high-smoke-point oil (like avocado oil) before placing the skewers on. Don’t move the skewers too soon – let the chicken cook for a few minutes to develop a crust before trying to flip.
10. Can I add other vegetables to the skewers?
    Yes, feel free to add keto-friendly vegetables like bell pepper chunks, zucchini, mushrooms, or thick slices of onion between the chicken pieces on your skewers. Just be mindful that vegetables might cook faster than chicken, so cut them to a size that allows them to cook evenly.

Keto Chicken Yakitori 🍢

This delicious Keto Chicken Yakitori recipe features tender chicken thighs marinated in a savory, low-carb sauce, grilled to perfection, and garnished with sesame seeds and scallions. A healthy and flavorful take on a Japanese classic.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 17 minutes mins

Marinating Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Cuisine Japanese

Servings 6 servings

Calories 278 kcal

Equipment

• Medium Saucepan
• Mixing Bowl
• Grill
• Bamboo Skewers

Ingredients

  

Yakitori Sauce

• 1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup brown sugar replacement
• 2 tablespoons allulose or xylitol
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced, or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum or glucomannan

Chicken & Garnish

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1 medium scallion chopped

Instructions

 

• Whisk Up the Savory Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the tamari (or soy sauce), water, brown sugar replacement, allulose (or xylitol), sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and hot pepper flakes. Bring this mix to a gentle boil over medium heat.
• Thicken and Cool: Sprinkle the xanthan gum (or glucomannan) evenly over the boiling sauce and whisk vigorously until it's well combined. Let it continue to boil for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow it to cool down completely.
• Marinate the Chicken: Place your bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl. Pour two-thirds of the cooled sauce over the chicken, tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld. Keep the remaining one-third of the sauce separate for serving.
• Prepare Skewers (if using bamboo): If you're using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least an hour before you start. This simple step helps prevent them from burning on the grill. You’ll need about 6 to 8 large skewers or 12 smaller, appetizer-sized ones.
• Get the Grill Ready: Preheat your grill to a medium-high setting and lightly grease the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking. Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your prepared skewers.
• Grill to Perfection: Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook for approximately 5 to 6 minutes per side, remembering to brush them frequently with the reserved marinating liquid as they cook. Grill until the chicken is beautifully browned and cooked through.
• Serve with Flair: Transfer the delicious skewers to a platter. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped scallions. Serve immediately with the additional reserved sauce on the side for dipping!

Notes

This recipe is perfect for those following a Keto or Low Carb diet. Enjoy these delicious chicken skewers as a healthy main course or appetizer!

Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 278
Total Carbs: 1.1g
Net Carbs: 1.1g
Fats: 11.9g
Protein: 35.8g