Effortless Hibachi Chicken Dinner

This Easy Hibachi Chicken recipe empowers you to create an incredibly flavorful and satisfying Japanese steakhouse experience right in your own kitchen! Forget the long waits and high prices; with simple ingredients and a single pan, you can whip up succulent chicken, vibrant sautéed vegetables, and even delicious fried rice in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to share, this hibachi chicken delivers on taste and convenience. Serve it with a generous drizzle of homemade Yum Yum Sauce and fluffy steamed rice or savory fried rice for a complete, restaurant-quality feast. Many components can be prepped in advance, making your cooking process even smoother!

I’m thrilled to be expanding my collection of “takeout at home” recipes to include beloved Japanese steakhouse dishes, and this Hibachi Chicken has quickly become an absolute favorite. Its undeniable flavor, combined with how incredibly quick and easy it is to prepare, makes it a winning choice for any meal. I often pair it with either plain white rice or a quick fried rice, along with whatever fresh vegetables I have on hand. Beyond its immediate deliciousness, this dish is fantastic for meal prepping, offering delicious lunches and dinners throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love Making Hibachi Chicken at Home

Recreating your favorite hibachi chicken in your own kitchen offers numerous benefits. It’s not just about saving money, though that’s a definite plus! When you cook at home, you have complete control over the quality of ingredients, allowing you to choose fresh, wholesome components. You can also customize the flavors to your exact preference, adding more garlic, spice, or different vegetables to suit your taste. This recipe, in particular, shines because it’s:

• Incredibly Easy: Simple steps and common ingredients mean less stress in the kitchen.
• Quick to Prepare: From prep to plate in around 30 minutes, it’s faster than ordering takeout!
• Bursting with Flavor: The savory soy sauce, aromatic sesame oil, and rich butter create an irresistible taste.
• Versatile: Easily swap chicken for other proteins or adjust vegetables based on what you have.
• Budget-Friendly: Enjoy a gourmet experience without the restaurant price tag.
• One-Pan Wonder: The beauty of this recipe is that you can cook the chicken, vegetables, and even the fried rice in the same pan, maximizing flavor and minimizing cleanup.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Hibachi Chicken

Crafting delicious hibachi chicken starts with selecting the right components. While the list is simple, each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that signature savory, umami-rich flavor profile you love from Japanese steakhouses. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Chicken: For convenience and quick cooking, I typically use boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes it easy to eat. However, for a richer and juicier result, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative, offering more flavor and tenderness.
• Soy Sauce: The cornerstone of Asian cuisine, soy sauce provides essential umami and saltiness. I highly recommend using a low-sodium variety to better control the overall salt content of your dish. For an extra layer of complexity and a touch of sweetness, consider adding just ½ teaspoon of sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), which is much thicker and has a molasses-like flavor compared to regular soy sauce.
• Sesame Oil: This ingredient is a must for authentic hibachi flavor. Just a small amount adds a deeply nutty, aromatic profile. Remember, sesame oil is very potent, so a little goes a long way. Use it sparingly to enhance, not overpower, the dish.
• Fresh Vegetables: A medley of fresh vegetables adds color, texture, and nutrition. My favorites include minced garlic, chopped onion (yellow or white), zucchini, and sliced mushrooms (such as baby Bella or cremini). Feel free to get creative and add other veggies like broccoli florets, snap peas, bell peppers, or thinly sliced carrots. Ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is key for achieving that rich, glossy finish and helping the chicken and vegetables brown beautifully. It also contributes significantly to the overall deliciousness, giving the dish a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Olive Oil (or preferred cooking oil): Used in conjunction with sesame oil, a neutral cooking oil like olive oil or vegetable oil helps conduct heat evenly and prevents sticking while cooking the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.

How to Make Authentic Hibachi Chicken at Home

Creating this delicious hibachi chicken is a straightforward process that yields incredible results. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:

• Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs) into uniform bite-size pieces. Dice your onion, mince the garlic, and chop the zucchini and mushrooms into similar, manageable sizes. This preparation ensures even cooking and a cohesive final dish.
• Heat the Pan: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or wok, heat a combination of olive oil and sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add one tablespoon of unsalted butter and allow it to melt and slightly foam. The high heat is crucial for achieving that signature hibachi sear.
• Cook the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the hot pan, spreading them out in a single layer to ensure proper browning. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and beautifully golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
• Flavor the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, pour in 2-3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce. Stir quickly to coat the chicken, allowing the soy sauce to deglaze the pan and pick up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
• Remove Chicken: Transfer the cooked, flavorful chicken to a clean plate and set it aside. Cover loosely with foil to keep it warm while you cook the vegetables.
• Sauté the Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of unsalted butter to the same pan. Once melted, add your prepped vegetables (onions, garlic, zucchini, mushrooms). Sauté, stirring frequently, over medium-high heat until they reach your desired texture – crisp-tender is ideal for hibachi. This usually takes 5-8 minutes, depending on the vegetables.
• Season the Vegetables: Once the vegetables are nearly done, add the final tablespoon of butter and let it melt into the veggies. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Continue to sauté for another minute, ensuring the vegetables are well coated and seasoned.
• Combine (or Serve Separately): If you’re making fried rice, remove the cooked vegetables to a plate and proceed with making your fried rice in the same pan, leveraging the residual flavors. Otherwise, you can return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables, toss to combine, and heat through for a minute before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Hibachi Chicken

To truly elevate your homemade hibachi chicken and capture that authentic steakhouse flavor, consider these expert tips:

• Chicken Choice Matters: While chicken breast works well, using boneless, skinless chicken thighs will result in more flavorful and significantly juicier chicken. Thighs are more forgiving and hold up better to high-heat cooking.
• Embrace Versatility with Veggies: Don’t limit yourself to the suggested vegetables. Use what you have on hand or what’s in season. Broccoli, carrots (thinly sliced), bell peppers, and snap peas are fantastic additions that cook quickly and add great color and crunch. Ensure all vegetables are cut to a similar size for even cooking.
• Strategic Cooking Order for Maximum Flavor: Always start by cooking the chicken first. As the chicken sears and browns, it leaves behind delicious cooked-on bits (fond) at the bottom of the pan. When you then add the vegetables, the moisture released from them will naturally lift these flavorful bits, deglazing the pan and infusing the entire dish with a deeper, more complex taste. This layering of flavor is key to a truly outstanding hibachi experience.
• High Heat is Your Friend: Hibachi cooking is all about high heat and quick searing. Don’t be shy with the heat setting. A hot pan ensures a beautiful sear on the chicken and crisp-tender vegetables, rather than steaming them.
• Prep Ahead to Save Time: To make mealtime even faster, prepare your rice and homemade Yum Yum Sauce ahead of time. Both can be stored in the refrigerator and will be ready to go when you start cooking the chicken and vegetables. This small step can drastically reduce your active cooking time on a busy weeknight.
• Don’t Skimp on Butter: Butter is not just for richness; it also helps in browning and adds a beautiful sheen to your finished dish.

Serving Your Delicious Hibachi Chicken Feast

Once your hibachi chicken and vegetables are perfectly cooked, it’s time to assemble your meal. The presentation is almost as important as the taste, making the experience feel truly authentic. Here are some serving suggestions to complete your homemade hibachi feast:

• The Classic Duo: Rice and Yum Yum Sauce: No hibachi meal is complete without a generous serving of rice and the iconic Yum Yum Sauce. You can opt for plain steamed white rice for a lighter touch, or go all out with homemade fried rice, prepared in the same flavorful pan used for the chicken and veggies. Drizzle the creamy, tangy Yum Yum Sauce liberally over your chicken and rice for that unmistakable hibachi flavor.
• Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds adds a burst of fresh flavor and an appealing visual element to your dish.
• Additional Sides: Consider serving a light side salad with ginger dressing, a simple miso soup, or even some edamame to round out your meal and add more traditional Japanese elements.
• Family Style or Individual Plates: You can serve the hibachi chicken and sides family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves, or plate individual portions for a more refined presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

This hibachi chicken recipe is not only fantastic fresh, but it also makes for excellent leftovers, perfect for meal prepping throughout the week.

• Storing Leftovers: Any leftover hibachi chicken and vegetables should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Cooked rice should also be stored separately in an airtight container for optimal freshness.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the chicken and vegetables in a microwave-safe dish and warm until heated through. For best results, reheat on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and help revive the flavors. If reheating fried rice, a quick sauté in a hot pan can bring back its texture.
• Meal Prep Tips: Prepare a larger batch of hibachi chicken and vegetables at the beginning of the week. Divide into individual meal prep containers along with portions of rice and a small container of Yum Yum Sauce. This makes for convenient and delicious grab-and-go lunches or dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions about making this hibachi chicken? Here are some common inquiries and helpful answers:

• Can I use other proteins instead of chicken? Absolutely! Hibachi cooking is very versatile. Shrimp, thinly sliced beef (like sirloin or ribeye), or even firm tofu can be substituted for the chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? The recipe as written is not strictly gluten-free due to soy sauce. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative.
• Can I make it vegetarian? Yes! Omit the chicken and increase the amount of vegetables, or add firm tofu or tempeh for protein. Make sure to press extra-firm tofu to remove excess water before cooking for best texture.
• What kind of pan should I use? A large, heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron or stainless steel) or a wok is ideal. These types of pans retain heat well, which is essential for achieving a good sear and preventing the food from steaming.
• What if I don’t have sesame oil? While sesame oil is crucial for authentic hibachi flavor, if you don’t have it, you can omit it. However, the dish will have a slightly different flavor profile. You might try adding a tiny pinch of toasted sesame seeds at the end for some nutty notes.
• How can I make it spicier? For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the vegetables, or a dash of Sriracha or your favorite chili garlic sauce to the soy sauce mixture.

More Easy Asian-Inspired Recipes to Try

If you loved this hibachi chicken, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of our simple yet incredibly flavorful Asian-inspired dishes that bring the takeout experience to your home kitchen:

• Hunan Chicken: A spicy and savory chicken dish with vibrant vegetables.
• Easy Sesame Chicken: Crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and savory sesame sauce.
• General Tso’s Chicken: A classic Chinese-American dish with deep-fried chicken in a tangy sauce.
• Sheet Pan Stir Fry: A convenient and healthy way to enjoy stir-fry with minimal cleanup.
• Kung Pao Chicken: Spicy, sweet, and savory chicken with peanuts and vegetables.

For even more delightful culinary adventures, feel free to browse our comprehensive Asian Category for a wide array of recipes that are easy to make and packed with flavor.

If you enjoy this recipe and decide to make it, we’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Don’t forget to tag us @crunchycreamysweet so we can admire your culinary masterpiece and leave a comment! Happy cooking! 😀

Hibachi Chicken

Author: Anna

This Easy Hibachi Chicken is amazingly simple to make at home! Just cook the chicken with soy sauce, sauté vegetables, and make fried rice, all in just one pan! I serve this dish with Yum Yum Sauce and fried rice. All of the sides can be made ahead of time to save on prep!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (from 4 votes)

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 379 kcal

Ingredients

for the chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast (see note for chicken thighs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)

for the veggies:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 zucchini chopped
• 4 oz baby Bella mushrooms
• 1 small yellow onion
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces.
2. Chop vegetables (zucchini, baby Bella mushrooms, small yellow onion, garlic cloves).
3. In a large pan, heat up sesame oil, olive oil and melt one tablespoon of butter.
4. Add the chicken and cook, seasoning with salt, until done and golden brown.
5. Add 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and stir in. Cook chicken for 2 to 3 minutes, or until nicely browned and coated.
6. Once done, remove the chicken onto a plate. Set aside.
7. Add one more tablespoon of butter to the same pan. Add veggies and sauté, stirring often, until they reach your desired texture (crisp-tender).
8. Add the last tablespoon of butter, let it melt, and stir in. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and stir to coat.
9. If you are serving it with fried rice, remove the veggies onto a plate and make fried rice in the same pan, utilizing the remaining flavors. Otherwise, combine chicken and veggies in the pan before serving.

Notes

• You can use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
• I recommend low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
• Serve it with Yum Yum Sauce drizzled generously over the chicken and vegetables.
• To make fried rice, follow my recipe for Chicken Fried Rice but simply omit the chicken from that recipe.
• Please note that nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on specific products used. Always consult a calorie counter you are familiar with for precise information.

Nutrition

Calories: 379 kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 131mg | Sodium: 1502mg | Potassium: 963mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 411IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment with your rating below!