Best hibachi chicken recipe: A Taste of Japanese Grilling at Hom
what is hibachi chicken : is a beloved dish from Japanese cuisine, known for its smoky, flavorful grilled chicken paired with a mix of savory vegetables and the classic fried rice that often accompanies it. Hibachi-style cooking, which originated from Japanese steakhouses, is typically done on a high-heat flat grill, allowing the chicken to sear quickly, keeping it juicy and flavorful. The best part about this hibachi chicken recipe? You can recreate it at home with ease, using either a stovetop griddle, a cast-iron skillet, or even a regular frying pan. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to prepare a restaurant-quality hibachi chicken meal, complete with vegetables, fried rice, and a homemade hibachi sauce.
Ingredients for Hibachi Chicken
To prepare this hibachi chicken recipe at home, you will need the following ingredients:
For the hibachi chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon mirin or sake (optional)
For the vegetables:
- 1 zucchini (sliced into rounds or half-moons)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the fried rice:
- 2 cups cold cooked rice (leftover rice works best)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 2 green onions (chopped)
For the hibachi sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions for Making homemade hibachi chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Hibachi Sauce
The sauce is an essential part of hibachi chicken, adding depth and tangy flavor to the dish. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Mix until smooth and well-combined, then set aside. This sauce can be used for dipping the hibachi chicken or drizzling over the finished dish for extra flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Fried Rice
To start your hibachi chicken meal, cook the fried rice. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped green onions and sauté for about 1 minute. Push the onions to one side of the pan and pour in the lightly beaten eggs, scrambling them until cooked through. Once the eggs are done, mix them with the onions.
Next, add the cold cooked rice to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Pour in 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon butter, and stir well to combine. Toss in the frozen peas and carrots and cook until the vegetables are heated through and the rice is evenly coated in the butter and soy sauce. Transfer the fried rice to a separate dish and set aside while you prepare the hibachi chicken and vegetables.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
For the vegetable component of your hibachi chicken meal, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced zucchini, onions, and mushrooms. Cook the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are tender but still have a slight bite. Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon butter toward the end of cooking for extra flavor. Once the vegetables are cooked, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Hibachi Chicken
Now it’s time to cook the star of the dish—the hibachi chicken. In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan, and season them with garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown on the outside and cooked through.
For additional depth of flavor, pour in 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon butter as the chicken finishes cooking. If you have mirin or sake, add it now to give the dish a slightly sweet and tangy kick, although this is optional.
Step 5: Assemble the Hibachi Chicken Meal
Once everything is cooked, it’s time to assemble your hibachi chicken meal. Serve the chicken alongside the sautéed vegetables and fried rice, either on a plate or in a large bowl. Drizzle the homemade hibachi sauce over the chicken, or serve it on the side for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Hibachi Chicken
- Use High Heat: Hibachi-style cooking relies on high heat to quickly sear the meat and vegetables, locking in flavor and moisture. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice sear.
- Cold Rice for Fried Rice: Cold, day-old rice works best for fried rice because it doesn’t clump together as much as freshly cooked rice. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook the rice ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before using it.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken or vegetables, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This ensures that everything cooks evenly and gets a nice caramelization.
- Use a Flat Grill If Possible: If you have access to a flat griddle or hibachi grill, this will give you the most authentic hibachi chicken experience. However, a large skillet or cast-iron pan will still work well.
Storing and Reheating Hibachi Chicken
If you have leftovers, store the hibachi chicken, vegetables, and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the stovetop or microwave, but avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent it from drying out.
Final Thoughts on easy hibachi chicken recipe
This hibachi chicken recipe brings the flavors of a Japanese steakhouse right into your kitchen. With tender, savory chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and flavorful fried rice, this dish offers a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to please. The homemade hibachi sauce adds an extra layer of deliciousness that ties everything together. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for family and friends or just want to enjoy hibachi-style cooking at home, this recipe will leave everyone craving more.
Time
The total time to prepare and cook this hibachi chicken recipe is broken down as follows:
- Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
- This includes cutting the chicken, preparing the vegetables, and making the hibachi sauce.
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cooking the chicken, vegetables, and fried rice takes around 20-25 minutes.
So, the total time for this hibachi chicken meal is approximately 35-45 minutes, depending on your cooking speed and preparation time.