Craving the taste of a Japanese steakhouse at home? This easy hibachi chicken recipe is your answer. With tender, marinated chicken, perfectly sautéed vegetables, and flavorful fried rice, this chicken hibachi recipe brings the restaurant experience to your kitchen. It’s a complete meal that’s simple to prepare and packed with delicious flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this hibachi chicken and rice recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables and seasonings, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
What is Hibashi
Hibachi (火鉢), which translates to “fire bowl,” is a traditional Japanese heating device that has evolved into a popular cooking method. Originally, a hibachi was a cylindrical or box-shaped container designed to hold burning charcoal, primarily used for heating rooms during the Heian period in Japan. Over time, the hibachi’s role expanded from a heating device to a cooking apparatus, especially for grilling food.
In modern culinary contexts, hibachi refers to a style of Japanese grilling that is often confused with teppanyaki. While both involve cooking on a hot surface, hibachi typically uses a charcoal grill, whereas teppanyaki employs a flat iron griddle. In the United States, hibachi has become synonymous with the theatrical style of cooking seen in Japanese steakhouses, where chefs perform impressive knife skills and cooking techniques right at the table.
Table of contents
Recipe Card
Hibachi Chicken
Cuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes20
minutes350
kcalAn easy hibachi chicken recipe that brings the flavors of a Japanese steakhouse to your home. Perfectly seasoned chicken served with fried rice and vegetables.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, minced
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cooked white rice
Vegetables: carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, onions
2 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp soy sauce (for rice)
1 tbsp butter (for rice)
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the mixed vegetables until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: In the same skillet, add butter and beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until cooked. Add the cooked rice and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Combine and Serve: Add the chicken and vegetables back to the skillet with the rice. Stir to combine and heat through. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Authentic Restaurant-Style Flavor
One of the biggest draws of hibachi-style cooking is its unique depth of flavor. The combination of high heat, soy sauce, garlic butter, and sesame oil creates a rich, savory taste that is both smoky and slightly sweet. This recipe captures that signature hibachi essence by using the same key ingredients and cooking methods as Japanese steakhouse chefs.
2. Quick & Easy to Make
Unlike complex Japanese dishes that require special ingredients or long preparation times, hibachi chicken comes together in less than 30 minutes. It’s a perfect last-minute dinner option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Plus, everything is cooked in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze!
3. Customizable to Your Preferences
While traditional hibachi chicken includes simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and soy sauce, this recipe allows for personal customization:
- For extra heat, add a splash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- For a sweeter balance, drizzle a bit of honey or teriyaki sauce.
- For a richer umami taste, use a blend of butter and miso paste.
4. Perfectly Juicy Chicken Every Time
Overcooked chicken is the enemy of good hibachi. This recipe includes essential tips on how to achieve a golden-brown sear while keeping the meat tender and juicy. The key is high heat, quick cooking, and a final butter glaze that locks in moisture.
Additional Tips for perfect Hibachi chicken recipe
- Marinating: Marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- High Heat: Cook the chicken and vegetables over high heat to achieve a nice sear.
- Rice: Use day-old rice for the best texture in your hibachi chicken and rice recipe.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables.
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more soy sauce or spices as needed.
Variants of Hibachi Chicken
1. Spicy Hibachi Chicken
For those who love heat, add sriracha, chili oil, or gochujang (Korean red chili paste) to the sauce. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes also adds a nice kick.
2. Teriyaki Hibachi Chicken
Replace the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, slightly thicker glaze. Adding a touch of pineapple juice enhances the tropical flavor.
3. Keto & Low-Carb Hibachi Chicken
Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to reduce sodium and carbs. Pair it with cauliflower rice instead of traditional white rice for a keto-friendly meal.
4. Hibachi Chicken & Shrimp
For a surf-and-turf experience, cook shrimp alongside the chicken. Shrimp cooks faster, so add it during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking.
5. Vegan Hibachi “Chicken”
Swap chicken for firm tofu or soy curls. Use the same marinade and cooking method to replicate the texture and flavor of traditional hibachi.
FAQ
Yes, you can use a large skillet or a cast-iron pan on the stovetop. Heat it over medium-high heat, and cook the chicken in batches to ensure it gets a nice sear without steaming.
Popular vegetable pairings include zucchini, onions, mushrooms, and carrots. You can also add broccoli or bell peppers for extra color and flavor. Stir-fry them in the same pan for a complete hibachi-style meal.
Hibachi chicken is cooked on a high-heat flat-top grill (or pan) with soy sauce, garlic butter, and sesame oil, resulting in a smoky, savory flavor. Teriyaki chicken, on the other hand, is coated in a thick, sweet, and glossy teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. While both are delicious, hibachi chicken has a more subtle and umami-forward taste.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice because they stay juicy and tender under high heat. However, chicken breast works well too, as long as you don’t overcook it. To keep chicken breast moist, marinate it in a small amount of soy sauce and cornstarch before cooking.
A cast-iron skillet or a stainless steel pan works best to mimic the high-heat cooking of a hibachi grill. These pans retain heat well, helping you achieve a great sear on the chicken. Avoid nonstick pans, as they don’t reach high enough temperatures.
Yes! If you need a soy-free alternative, try using coconut aminos or tamari (for a gluten-free version). Both options provide a similar umami flavor without soy or wheat.
Final Thoughts
Cooking Hibachi Chicken at home is an easy and rewarding experience, bringing restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen. With simple ingredients, a few pro techniques, and the right high-heat cooking method, you can achieve that signature hibachi-style sear and taste. Plus, this dish is incredibly versatile—serve it with hibachi fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even wrap it in lettuce for a low-carb option.
If you’re a fan of Japanese steakhouse flavors, don’t forget to check out this Blackstone Hibachi Recipe for a more authentic outdoor grilling experience. Looking for the perfect side? Pair your hibachi chicken with this Maitake Mushroom Recipe for a delicious umami-packed addition.
For those who love trying out different chicken dishes, you might enjoy this Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe to spice up your weeknight meals or this comforting Chicken Gloria Recipe for a creamy, baked alternative.
Give this Hibachi Chicken recipe a try and experience the joy of homemade Japanese-style cooking. Let us know in the comments how it turned out, and be sure to check out our other delicious Chicken and Peppers Recipe for more meal inspiration!
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