Four skewers lay on a rectangular ceramic dish, each lined with chunks of chicken and squash, painted with a glossy, lightly charred sauce. The vibrant orange squash contrast with the caramel brown chicken, and some finely chopped green spring onions sprinkle on top for a pop of freshness and color.

Autumn Bliss Yakitori BBQ Squash and Chicken Kabobs

Name: Autumn Bliss Yakitori BBQ Squash and Chicken Kabobs
Prep time: 70 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: large squash, 1 cleaned and cubed; boneless and skinless chicken thighs, 8 cut into chunks; spring onions, 4 finely chopped for garnish; mirin, 1/2 cup; soy sauce, 1/2 cup; brown sugar, 2 tablespoons; garlic cloves, 2 finely minced; skewer sticks, 8; vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon for grilling; salt, to taste

Category BBQ

Prep 70 minutes

Cook 30 minutes

Style Japanese

Technique Grilling

Diet Friendly Gluten-Free

Daily Recipe: October 13, 2023

Embrace autumn with a unique twist on the usual barbecue. Our Japanese-inspired BBQ Squash Kabobs layer seasonal squash with succulent grilled chicken, all marinated in a savory-sweet yakitori style sauce. Our featured ingredient, squash, enhances the bite and brings a hint of autumn to this dish.

Ingredients (for 4)

Large squash - 1 - cleaned and cubed
Boneless and skinless chicken thighs - 8 - cut into chunks
Spring onions - 4 - finely chopped for garnish
Mirin - 1/2 cup
Soy sauce - 1/2 cup
Brown sugar - 2 tablespoons
Garlic cloves - 2 - finely minced
Skewer sticks - 8
Vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon - for grilling
Salt - to taste

Preparation

Step 1 - 🥣🥢🍶

In a bowl, combine mirin, soy sauce, brown sugar, and finely minced garlic until the sugar dissolves.
Step 2 - 🍗🎃⏰

Add the cut chicken thighs and half of the squash cubes into the sauce. Let it marinate for at least an hour.
Step 3 - 🔥🔝🕰️

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Step 4 - 🍡🐔🎃

Skewer the chicken and squash, alternating between the two.
Step 5 - 🍡🔥🍲

Lightly oil the grill plates. Place the skewers and cook for 10-15 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the squash is tender. Baste with the sauce regularly.
Step 6 - 🍽️🥗🍡

Place the cooked skewers on a dish and garnish them with finely chopped spring onions.

Additional

If you like, you can replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian variation. To get your kids involved, let them help to assemble the skewers, just be sure to supervise them around the grill. This dish is best served with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad. Enjoy the fusion of flavors!