How to Make Waba Grill Chicken at Home: The Ultimate Copycat Recipe

Want that tasty Waba Grill chicken but don’t want to leave your house? I’ve been there! After a lot of trial and error in my kitchen, I’ve finally figured out how to make that teriyaki-glazed chicken that makes Waba Grill so popular. I’m going to share my tried-and-true recipe with you today so you can bring those delicious flavors to your dinner table.

What Makes Waba Grill Chicken Special?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s understand what makes Waba Grill chicken unique. This popular dish features boneless chicken with a savory-sweet flavor profile, thanks to a marinade that combines soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. The chicken is typically grilled to perfection, giving it that signature char while keeping the meat juicy and tender.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Marinade:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (controls saltiness better)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil (for that nutty richness)
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced (fresh works best!)
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar (balances the flavors)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon sake or dry sherry
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (preferred for juiciness)
  OR
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (leaner option)

For Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley

The Secret to Perfect Waba Grill Chicken

The key secret to authentic Waba Grill chicken lies in two critical elements

1. The marinade – getting the right balance of flavors
2. The cooking technique – achieving that perfect char while keeping the chicken juicy

Let’s break down the process step by step.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all marinade ingredients: soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and mirin.
2. Whisk everything together until the sugar completely dissolves. This ensures even flavor distribution.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Want it sweeter? Add more brown sugar. Prefer more tang? Add a bit more rice vinegar.

2. Marinate the Chicken

1. Place your chicken (either thighs or breasts) in a ziplock bag or shallow dish.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated.
3. Seal or cover, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, I recommend marinating for 2-4 hours or even overnight if you have time.
4. About 15 minutes before cooking, remove the chicken from the refrigerator to bring it closer to room temperature for more even cooking.

3. Cook the Chicken

Grilling Method (Most Authentic)

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 450°F).
2. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
3. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
4. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Optional: Reserve some fresh marinade (not the one used for raw chicken) to brush on during the last minute of grilling for extra flavor and glaze.

Stovetop Method

1. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. For extra flavor, you can add a splash of the marinade to the pan during the last minute of cooking to create a glaze.

Oven Method

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
4. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to crisp up the edges.
5. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

4. Rest and Serve

Regardless of your cooking method, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum juiciness.

Serving Suggestions

Waba Grill chicken pairs perfectly with

• Steamed white or brown rice – the classic pairing
• Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus
• Fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes
• Soba or udon noodles tossed with a bit of sesame oil and garlic
• Additional sauce drizzled on top (sriracha or extra teriyaki)

My Personal Tips for Success

After making this recipe countless times, I’ve discovered a few tricks:

• Don’t skip the marinating time – this is where the magic happens!
• Chicken thighs work better than breasts – they’re more forgiving and stay juicier
• Pat the chicken dry before grilling to get better char marks
• Keep an eye on the sugar content in your marinade – too much can burn easily
• Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken every time

Storage and Meal Prep Ideas

This Waba Grill chicken is perfect for meal prep! You can

• Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Freeze portions for up to 3 months
• Prepare the marinade ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to a week

Nutritional Benefits

Waba Grill chicken isn’t just delicious—it’s also nutritious! Each serving provides:

• Approximately 26 grams of protein
• Essential B vitamins
• Minerals like phosphorus and selenium
• Around 200-300 calories per serving (depending on cooking method and added ingredients)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken with skin and bones?

While you can, boneless and skinless chicken works best for this recipe as it absorbs the marinade more effectively and cooks more evenly.

What if I don’t have mirin or sake?

You can use a mixture of 1 part rice vinegar and 2 parts sugar instead of mirin. If you need sake quickly, dry white wine or apple juice with a splash of vinegar will do.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

A meat thermometer is the safest way to tell when chicken is done; it should reach 165°F on the inside. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white all the way through, with no pink spots, and the juices should run clear.

Can I make this recipe less salty?

Absolutely! Use low-sodium soy sauce and consider diluting it slightly with water in the marinade.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically, but you can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Always check your ingredient labels to be sure.

The Authentic Waba Grill Experience at Home

The best thing about this homemade version is that you can make it however you like. Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes. Would you like it sweeter? Add more brown sugar or honey.

The beauty of making Waba Grill chicken at home is that you control what goes into it. No preservatives, less sodium, and you can adjust the sweetness and flavors exactly how you like them.

Conclusion

Making Waba Grill chicken at home is surprisingly simple once you have the right ingredients and technique. The key is in the marinade and cooking method, which together create that distinctive flavor and texture we all crave.

Remember, the longer you marinate, the better the flavor will be. And don’t be afraid to make it your own by adjusting the seasonings to your taste. Happy grilling!