Yakitori Chicken Skewers
Quick answer
A medium portion of Yakitori Chicken Skewers (120 g) contains 222 kcal, with 5.2 g of net carbohydrates and 28.8 g of protein.
- Carbs5.4 g9.7%
- Protein28.8 g51.6%
- Fat9.6 g38.7%
- Fibre0.2 g
Percentages of total energy (calories)
Yakitori is the Japanese art of grilling chicken over binchotan charcoal. Pieces of chicken breast or thigh are threaded onto bamboo skewers with pieces of spring onion (negi) and grilled over fast, dry heat. This lets some of the fat drip away, leaving tender chicken with 24g of protein per 100g, moderate calories and controlled fat (8g). It is an excellent choice if you want filling protein and support for muscle mass without fried food.
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Two yakitori skewers (about 120g) make an excellent protein meal for lunch or dinner with a green salad dressed in olive oil.
Best preparation methods
In Japanese restaurants, order yakitori with salt (shio) instead of tare sauce: salt seasoning adds almost no sugar, while the sauce adds refined sugar.
Important Nutritional Note
Tare sauce is traditionally made from soy sauce with mirin or sake (rice wine), so if you eat halal, order salt-seasoned skewers only (yakitori shio) and check that the chicken itself is halal.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (120 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 185 kcal | 222 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g | 28.8 g |
| Carbohydrate | 4.5 g | 5.4 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 4.3 g | 5.2 g |
| Fat | 8 g | 9.6 g |
| Dietary fibre | 0.2 g | 0.2 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
It has 185 kcal per 100 g, ranking 27 of 45 in Asian dishes (lowest first).
Related foods from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is Yakitori Chicken Skewers good for weight loss?
It can be a useful part of a weight-loss plan because it provides 13 g of protein per 100 kcal, and protein supports fullness. A 120 g portion gives 222 kcal.
How does Yakitori Chicken Skewers affect blood sugar?
Yakitori Chicken Skewers contains only 4.3 g of available carbohydrate per 100 g, so the glycemic index does not apply and its direct effect on blood sugar is minimal. The meal’s effect depends on what you eat with it, such as bread, rice or sweetened sauces.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Yakitori Chicken Skewers?
A typical 120 g portion of Yakitori Chicken Skewers provides about 222 kcal, 28.8 g protein, 5.4 g carbohydrate, 9.6 g fat and 0.2 g fibre.
Do yakitori skewers raise blood sugar?
Salt-grilled skewers (shio) have a very small effect on blood sugar (the glycemic index does not apply) and suit keto. Skewers brushed with sweet tare sauce add about 2 to 3g of carbohydrate each.
Is yakitori good for athletes and cutting diets?
Yes, it is an excellent option: high in easily digested protein, and chicken is a source of vitamin B6 and niacin, which contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
Does charcoal grilling carry health risks?
Grilling directly over flames can form compounds such as heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, so trim off any blackened edges and eat the meal with leafy vegetables.
Read also
References & Scientific Sources
- The glycemic index does not apply because this food has less than 5 g of available carbohydrate per 100 g, and a GI test requires 25 to 50 g of available carbohydrate, per: ISO 26642:2010. Food products — Determination of the glycaemic index (GI) and recommendation for food classification. International Organization for Standardization; 2010. www.iso.org/standard/43633.html
- Definition of available carbohydrate and glycemic load: FAO/WHO. Carbohydrates in human nutrition: report of a joint FAO/WHO expert consultation. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 66. Rome; 1998. www.fao.org/4/w8079e/w8079e00.htm
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.