Hibachi Chicken

Hibachi Chicken is a beloved Japanese restaurant dish that features tender, bite-sized chicken pieces cooked to perfection on a hot grill or skillet, accompanied by a rich, savory sauce and paired with classic sides like fried rice and vegetables. It’s the kind of meal that brings the experience of a Japanese steakhouse to your home, complete with bold flavors, sizzling sounds, and delicious aromas.

This easy Hibachi Chicken recipe replicates the restaurant-quality flavors you love without requiring a hibachi grill. The chicken is seasoned and cooked over high heat to achieve that signature seared texture, then tossed in a buttery, umami-packed sauce. The dish is often served with fried rice, sautéed vegetables, and creamy yum yum sauce, making it a complete meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hibachi Chicken is the perfect balance of savory, buttery, and mildly sweet flavors, making it a dish that appeals to a wide range of tastes. It’s quick to prepare, cooks in under 30 minutes, and requires only a few pantry staples to deliver bold, restaurant-worthy flavors. This recipe is also versatile—you can customize it by adding shrimp, steak, or extra veggies to create a hibachi-style feast. Plus, cooking it at home allows you to control the ingredients, making it a healthier alternative to dining out. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings the fun and flavor of a hibachi grill straight to your kitchen.

Preparation Time and Servings:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 1 plate (chicken, rice, and vegetables)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 360
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the hibachi sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp teriyaki sauce
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• ½ tsp ginger, minced
• ½ tsp sugar

For the vegetables:

• 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce

For the fried rice:

• 2 cups cooked white rice (day-old rice works best)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• ½ cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 2 green onions, sliced

For serving:

• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Yum Yum Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced zucchini, mushrooms, onion, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
3. Drizzle the soy sauce over the vegetables and toss to coat. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Fried Rice

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through. Push the eggs to one side of the skillet.
2. Add the cooked rice, peas, and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps of rice.
3. Drizzle with soy sauce and stir to combine. Add the scrambled eggs back into the rice, along with the sliced green onions. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove the fried rice from the skillet and keep warm.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil or vegetable oil in the skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer.
2. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 5: Prepare the Hibachi Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sugar.
2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the sauce mixture to the skillet with the chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly, then add the butter and let it melt into the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

1. Divide the fried rice, cooked vegetables, and hibachi chicken among serving plates.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve with a side of yum yum sauce and lemon wedges, if desired.

Ingredient Background

Chicken

Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, making them a great choice for hibachi dishes. Chicken thighs are also an excellent option for a juicier and more flavorful result.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is the backbone of the hibachi flavor profile, adding salty and savory depth to both the chicken and the vegetables. Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to prevent the dish from becoming overly salty.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil imparts a nutty, aromatic flavor that’s essential for achieving authentic hibachi flavors. Use toasted sesame oil for the best results.

Vegetables

Zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and broccoli are traditional choices for hibachi, but you can customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or asparagus.

Technique Tips

1. Cut Evenly: Cut the chicken and vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
2. Preheat the Pan: Heat the skillet or wok thoroughly before adding ingredients to achieve a proper sear and prevent sticking.
3. Day-Old Rice: For fried rice, use day-old rice to achieve the perfect texture. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and clump together.
4. Cook in Batches: If your skillet is small, cook the chicken and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of searing.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Hibachi Noodles: Replace the fried rice with stir-fried noodles tossed in soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of garlic powder.
• Surf and Turf Hibachi: Add shrimp or steak alongside the chicken for a complete hibachi-style feast.
• Low-Carb Hibachi: Serve the chicken and vegetables with cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb option.

Additional Tips for Success

• Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
• For an extra kick, drizzle with sriracha or sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.
• Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor in the hibachi sauce.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Hibachi Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the hibachi sauce for a spicy twist.
2. Teriyaki Hibachi Chicken: Increase the teriyaki sauce and reduce the soy sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and check all other sauces for gluten-free certification.
4. Vegetarian Hibachi: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth for the sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover hibachi chicken, vegetables, and fried rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use less butter and oil to reduce fat content.
• Add more vegetables to increase fiber and nutrients.
• Serve with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier grain option.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Family Dinner: Serve hibachi chicken family-style on a large platter with fried rice and vegetables for everyone to share.
• Date Night: Plate the dish elegantly with a side of yum yum sauce and a glass of chilled white wine.
• Dinner Party: Set up a hibachi-style cooking station where guests can watch the meal come together and customize their plates.

Special Equipment

• Large skillet or wok for cooking at high heat
• Spatula or tongs for flipping the chicken and vegetables
• Rice cooker (optional) for perfectly cooked rice

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and vegetables in advance, storing them in separate containers in the refrigerator. Cook them just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

2. What’s the best oil for hibachi cooking?
Sesame oil is ideal for its flavor, but vegetable oil works well for high-heat cooking.

3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but the flavor won’t be as intense. Sear the pre-cooked chicken in the hibachi sauce to infuse it with flavor.

4. How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Use day-old rice and toss it frequently while stir-frying. Adding a bit of oil also helps.

5. What is yum yum sauce?
Yum yum sauce is a creamy, slightly tangy condiment often served with hibachi dishes. It’s made from mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and spices.

6. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Conclusion

Hibachi Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings the excitement of Japanese steakhouse dining to your home. With tender chicken, savory vegetables, and perfectly seasoned fried rice, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Pair it with yum yum sauce, add your favorite proteins, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your kitchen!

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