Perfect Hibachi Chicken 

George

The hibachi grilling style comes from Japanese culture, where food is cooked over high heat on flat grills. Restaurants like Benihana have popularized hibachi cooking, also known as teppanyaki, in the U.S., turning bite-sized chicken, veggies, and rice into an entertaining dinner experience. For a flavorful twist, you can serve your hibachi meal with Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls for a unique side dish.

Many home cooks started making copycat versions to enjoy that delicious meal without a restaurant trip. The key is cooking quickly over high heat to achieve tender, juicy chicken with a buttery balance of sides. Try pairing it with Air Fryer Filet Mignon for a genuinely elevated meal experience at home!

What Is Hibachi Chicken?

Hibachi chicken is a classic Japanese dish that cooks meat, vegetables, and noodles on a flat, hot grill. Popular in steakhouse restaurants like Benihana and Kobe, chefs put on a fancy show while searing bite-sized pieces with butter, garlic, and an Asian stir-fry sauce. For a unique twist, why not serve it alongside Grilled Chicken Paillard for a lighter, healthier option?

You can recreate this dish at home using a wok, cast iron pan, or even a regular skillet to get that perfect sear. Finish it with a drizzle of sesame oil for an authentic flavour, and enjoy the tender, juicy chicken without needing a hibachi grill. Add Peri Peri Chicken for a spicy, flavorful side to make your meal more exciting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hibachi Chicken

This Perfect Hibachi Chicken recipe is easy to make at home and offers all the flavours of a Benihana experience without the extra cost. If you’re looking for more dinner inspiration, check out Chicken Puff Pastry for a unique twist on comfort food.

1️⃣ Perfect Copycat Version – It tastes just like the restaurant dish, saving you the trip to Benihana.

2️⃣ No Special Equipment Required – Skip the hibachi grill! A skillet is all you need to cook this flavorful meal.

3️⃣ Healthier and Homemade – Using homemade ingredients lets you control calories and nutrition for a lighter option.

4️⃣ Cost-Effective—Making it at home is much cheaper than dining out. You can save money while still enjoying a fancy dinner.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it repeatedly!

Ingredients and substitutions

Hibachi chicken

Making Perfect Hibachi Chicken is easy with these key ingredients and substitutionsto suit your taste:

  • Chicken Breasts or Thighs– Use boneless, skinless white meat for tender pieces, or try thighs for a juicier texture.
  • Sesame Oil– Add a drizzle at the end for a rich flavour. Olive oil works, too, but has a milder taste.
  • Soy Sauce Options– Choose low-sodium soy sauce, coconut aminos, or tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
  • Garlic and Ginger– Fresh garlic and ginger paste add bold flavours, but jarred versions can be used in a pinch.
  • Teriyaki Sauce and Mirin– Use teriyaki sauce for sweetness or mirin for a deeper, authentic flavour.
  • Hoisin Sauce– Try hoisin sauce as a substitute for soy sauce to add a sweet-savory kick.

You can easily create an authentic hibachi meal at home with these ingredients!

Mustard Sauce

Mustard Sauce
Images are for illustrative use; credits belong to original creators.

This mustard sauce is a perfect pairing for your hibachi chicken, bringing a bold, tangy kick to the dish. Here’s what you’ll need and some substitutions to customize it:

  • Light Mayo or Regular Mayo– Both work well as a creamy base for the sauce.
  • Soy Sauce– Use coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • Rice Vinegar– Swap it with apple cider vinegar or champagne vinegar for a slightly different tang.no
  • Dijon Mustard or Japanese Hot Mustard– For a spicier kick, opt for Japanese Hot Mustard to give the sauce extra heat.

This spicy sauce elevates your meal and adds that restaurant-quality touch at home!

Sautéed Vegetables

Sautéed Vegetables
Images are for illustrative use; credits belong to original creators.

Adding sautéed vegetables is a great way to balance your hibachi chicken with healthy, flavorful sides. Here’s what you need to make them perfect:

  • Olive Oil or Neutral Oil– Use avocado or canola oil to cook the veggies evenly.
  • Vegetables of Choice—Common options include carrots, mushrooms, onion, and zucchini, but you can use any veggie you like.
  • Soy Sauce Options– Enhance the flavour with soy sauce, or use coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free alternative.

These veggies add a savoury, nutritious side that pairs perfectly with your hibachi chicken!

Fried Rice

Fried Rice
Images are for illustrative use; credits belong to original creators.

A perfect hibachi chicken isn’t complete without fried rice! Here’s how to make it delicious and customizable:

  • Cooked White Rice or Cauliflower Rice– Use leftover rice for the best texture, or go low-carb with cauliflower rice.
  • Butter or Olive OilButter adds richness, but margarine or olive oil are great substitutes.
  • Garlic and Soy Sauce– Use minced garlic (fresh or jarred) and season with soy sauce, coconut aminos, or tamari.
  • Egg and Green OnionsScramble an egg in the rice and garnish with scallions or chives for added flavour.
  • Optional Toppings– Add sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or fresh vegetables like bell peppers and red onions.

This fried rice is quick to make and brings a flavorful, hearty side to your hibachi chicken!

Optional Ingredients

Add some flavorful toppings and fresh vegetables to elevate your hibachi chicken. Sprinkle sesame seeds or sliced green onions for a finishing touch, or mix in thinly sliced bell peppers and red onions for extra crunch and colour. These optional ingredients add variety and make your dish more vibrant and satisfying!

How to make hibachi chicken

Follow these six easy steps to recreate a restaurant-style hibachi meal at home. With a few simple techniques, you’ll get that tender-crisp chicken, perfectly sautéed veggies, and flavorful fried rice!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken to enhance its flavour. Mix the hibachi ingredients, such as soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil. Let the chicken sit for at least 20 minutes to soak up all the flavours before cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over high heat and cook the chicken until it’s seared and golden on the outside. The bite-sized pieces should be tender and juicy. Once done, set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 3: Make the Mustard Sauce

Mix the mustard sauce ingredients in a small bowl to create a creamy, tangy sauce. This sauce adds a bold flavour to the hibachi chicken and enhances the overall dish. You can adjust the spice level by adding more mustard to taste.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

Using the same skillet, sauté the veggies in soy sauce until tender-crisp. Standard options include zucchini, onions, and mushrooms. This step adds colour, crunch, and nutrition to your hibachi chicken meal.

Step 5: Make the Fried Rice

Add cooked rice to the pan and season it with soy sauce. Create a space in the middle of the pan to scramble an egg before mixing it all. This fried rice pairs perfectly with the chicken and veggies for a complete meal.

Step 6: Assemble Your Dish

Now it’s time to assemble! Plate the hibachi chicken, fried rice, and veggies together. Drizzle with the mustard sauce and serve immediately for an authentic hibachi experience at home.

With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious hibachi chicken meal ready to enjoy — no restaurant trip needed!

How to Make Homemade Yum Yum Sauce

Yum Yum Sauce
Images are for illustrative use; credits belong to original creators.

Making Yum Yum Sauce at home quickly and easily with just a few simple ingredients.

1. Kewpie Mayo and Sesame Oil – Start with Kewpie Mayo for a rich base, and add a slight drizzle of sesame oil for flavour.

2.Sriracha, Garlic Powder, and White Sugar—Add Sriracha for a spicy kick, garlic powder for depth, and white sugar to balance the taste.

3.Stir and Store – Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth, then store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

This creamy sauce is the perfect addition to your hibachi meal, making it even more flavorful!

What to Serve with It

A traditional hibachi dinner isn’t complete without a variety of flavorful sides. Pair your hibachi chicken with classic options like fried rice, Hibachi Noodles, or bite-sized seared veggies like zucchini, onions, and mushrooms. For an elevated dining experience, check out Smoked Bacon Mac and Cheese for a decadent, smoky twist that complements your meal perfectly.

If you’re craving a unique side dish, try Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls for a crispy, spicy addition or Halal Cart-Style Chicken for bold street-food flavours. These options add variety to your hibachi meal, creating a balance of traditional components and modern ideas for a restaurant-quality experience at home!

Storing and Reheating

1️⃣ Prep Ahead – You can cook the rice and make the sauce a few days in advance to save time during busy days.

2️⃣ Storing Leftovers—To maintain freshness, store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

3️⃣ Freezing TipsFreeze the chicken and fried rice separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

4️⃣ Reheating—For the best texture, reheat everything in a pan on the stovetop to crisp up the veggies and chicken again.

For more meal ideas, check out Chicken Fried Rice on the Griddle or Air Fryer Chicken Bites for quick, delicious recipes!

FAQs

  • How do Asians make their chicken so tender?
    They use techniques like marinating with soy sauce, velveting with cornstarch, and cooking over high heat to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
  • What is so special about hibachi chicken?
    Hibachi is cooked on a flat, hot grill over high heat, creating a seared, charred flavour. It’s often paired with a fancy chef performance at steakhouses like Benihana.
  • What makes the most tender hibachi chicken?
    The most tender chicken is obtained by using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, marinating them with oil and seasonings, and cooking them over high heat.
  • Why is Japanese chicken so crispy?
    Japanese chicken is often double-fried and coated with potato starch or flour, which gives it a light, crispy texture without being greasy.
Hibachi Chicken

Hibachi Chicken 

Bring the flavors of a Japanese steakhouse home with this easy Hibachi Chicken recipe! Juicy chicken, fried rice, and sautéed veggies, all topped with a bold mustard sauce — no hibachi grill needed!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 29 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4 people
Calories 255 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Wok: Used to cook the chicken, vegetables, and fried rice over high heat to achieve the perfect sear.
  • Mixing Bowls: For marinating the chicken and preparing the mustard sauce.
  • Rice Cooker or Pot: To cook the rice. You can also use a pot with a lid if you don't have a rice cooker.
  • Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the chicken, vegetables, and green onions.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To stir the chicken, veggies, and rice while cooking.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring sauces and seasonings accurately.

Ingredients
  

Hibachi chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breasts diced
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh minced ginger

Mustard sauce

  • 1/2 cup light mayo
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard

Sauteed vegetables

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 carrot thinly sliced
  • 1 cup mushrooms sliced in half
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 1 zucchini chopped
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce plus salt & pepper to taste

Fried rice

  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 4 green onions sliced

Instructions
 

  • Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl and pour over the chicken. Let it sit for 20 minutes to soak in the flavors.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Cook the rice in a rice cooker or on the stovetop according to package instructions. You can also use leftover rice made up to 2 days in advance.
  • In a bowl, mix the mustard sauce ingredients and set it aside. Adjust the spice level if needed.
  • In the same skillet, heat olive oil and add the vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp. Remove from heat.
  • Melt butter in the skillet, then add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cooked rice and soy sauce, stirring for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
  • Create a hole in the center of the rice, crack in the egg, and scramble it until just set. Stir in green onions.
  • Plate the chicken, fried rice, and vegetables together. Serve with mustard sauce on the side and enjoy your homemade hibachi meal!

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Here's the approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of the Hibachi Chicken recipe:
Calories: 255 | Protein: 25 | Carbohydrates: 28 | Fat: 8 | Sodium: 650 | Fiber: 2 | Sugars: 2 | Cholesterol: 95 | Saturated Fat: 3 | Iron: 2.1 | Potassium: 370

Important Note:

This nutritional information is an approximate estimate based on typical ingredient values. Exact values may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities used.

 

George

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