Hibachi Chicken Recipe
If you’ve ever sat around a sizzling hibachi grill, entranced by the quick hands of the chef and the savory aromas wafting through the air, you’ll love recreating that magic at home with this Hibachi Chicken recipe. It’s a vibrant, flavor-loaded dish that brings together juicy chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and a buttery, garlicky soy sauce—all in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels a little special or you’re eager to wow friends and family, Hibachi Chicken delivers a restaurant-quality meal straight from your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hibachi Chicken recipe comes together with simple, everyday ingredients, but each one is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the signature flavors, textures, and colors of your favorite hibachi experience. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why they matter!
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken for maximum juiciness and quick cooking—thighs are extra flavorful, but breasts work beautifully too.
- Sesame oil: Just a touch infuses unmistakable toasty, nutty aroma that sets hibachi apart.
- Vegetable oil: This keeps everything from sticking and helps achieve that irresistible golden sear.
- Onion: Sliced onions caramelize as they cook, lending natural sweetness and bite.
- Zucchini: Bright green zucchini adds color and a tender, juicy crunch to every bite.
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms soak up all the flavor and add a savory, meaty texture.
- Soy sauce: The savory backbone of the dish, it ties everything together with salty, umami depth.
- Butter: A small pat at the end gives the whole dish wonderful richness and that unmistakable hibachi sheen.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings a fragrant punch that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aroma.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the other flavors.
- Green onions & sesame seeds (optional): A sprinkle on top adds freshness and a pretty, professional finish.
How to Make Hibachi Chicken
Step 1: Heat the Oils
Start by heating both the sesame oil and vegetable oil in a large skillet or flat griddle over medium-high heat. The combination of these two oils gives you the high smoke point for searing while infusing the chicken with that signature toasted sesame flavor. Wait until the oil shimmers before moving on—it’s the cue that your pan is hot enough for a perfect sear.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add your bite-sized chicken pieces to the hot pan and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Don’t rush this part—letting the chicken develop a nice sear locks in juiciness and adds irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Push the cooked chicken to one side of the pan and add the onion, zucchini, and mushrooms to the other side. Give them about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then, just until they’re crisp-tender and starting to caramelize. The goal is to keep their bright color and a bit of crunch, just like at your favorite hibachi spot.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen is filled with the rich, mouthwatering scent of sizzling garlic—don’t let it brown, or it could turn bitter.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Now, bring everything together! Stir the chicken and vegetables, add the soy sauce and butter, and toss everything to coat. The butter will melt into the sauce, creating a silky glaze that clings to every bite. Cook just until everything is heated through and glossy, then take the pan off the heat.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top your Hibachi Chicken with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Serve immediately and soak in the applause—you’ve just recreated a hibachi classic at home!
How to Serve Hibachi Chicken
Garnishes
For that authentic hibachi flair, finish your Hibachi Chicken with a scatter of sliced green onions and a shower of toasted sesame seeds. The green onions add a fresh, peppery bite, while the sesame seeds bring a subtle crunch and nutty aroma that perfectly complements the flavors in the dish.
Side Dishes
No hibachi meal is complete without classic sides! Pair your Hibachi Chicken with a mound of fluffy steamed rice, fried rice tossed with peas and carrots, or slippery stir-fried noodles. And don’t forget a generous drizzle of creamy yum yum sauce—its sweet-tangy richness takes every bite over the top.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your kitchen into your own hibachi grill! Serve Hibachi Chicken family-style on a large platter, or plate it in individual shallow bowls with rice, veggies, and a few extra garnishes. For a fun twist, offer lettuce leaves for wrapping the chicken and veggies—party perfect, and hands-on fun for everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Hibachi Chicken, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
Hibachi Chicken can be frozen for future cravings! Simply portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your Hibachi Chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce if it seems dry. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each to ensure even heating and keep the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Hibachi Chicken?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well in this recipe. Thighs tend to be a bit juicier and more forgiving, but breast meat will also turn out delicious and tender if you avoid overcooking.
Is Hibachi Chicken gluten-free?
To make Hibachi Chicken gluten-free, be sure to use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Otherwise, all the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
Can I substitute other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add or swap in your favorites—carrots, broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers all work beautifully. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies and add even more color and nutrition.
What’s the best way to get that signature hibachi flavor at home?
High heat and quick cooking are key! Use a large skillet, wok, or griddle, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Sesame oil, butter, and soy sauce combine to give Hibachi Chicken its distinctive taste.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can easily double or even triple the ingredients—just cook the chicken and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding your pan, then combine everything at the end before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the bold, comforting flavors of Japanese steakhouse classics, you’ll absolutely love making Hibachi Chicken in your own kitchen. It’s quick, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress. Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and treat yourself to a delicious meal that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat!
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Hibachi Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hibachi chicken recipe features tender bite-sized pieces of chicken thighs or breasts stir-fried with fresh vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and onions in a savory blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. It’s a quick and flavorful Japanese-American style dish perfect for a weeknight meal, served with optional garnishes such as green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oils and cook chicken: Heat the sesame oil and vegetable oil in a large skillet or flat griddle over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook the vegetables: Push the chicken to one side of the skillet. Add the sliced onion, zucchini, and mushrooms to the other side and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but remain crisp.
- Add garlic and combine: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then combine the chicken and vegetables into one side of the skillet.
- Finish with soy sauce and butter: Pour in the soy sauce and add the butter. Toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are well coated and heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of fried rice, white rice, or noodles for an authentic hibachi experience.
Notes
- Serve with fried rice, white rice, or noodles and a side of yum yum sauce for a complete hibachi meal.
- You can substitute or add other veggies like carrots or broccoli to customize the dish.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, omit the butter or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
