Get ready for a restaurant-worthy dinner in your own kitchen with this flavorful Hibachi Chicken! Juicy bites of chicken seared to golden perfection, tossed in a garlicky, buttery sauce and kissed with a hint of lemon, bring all the best flavors of your favorite Japanese steakhouse right to your plate. Hibachi Chicken isn’t just fun to make—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s ready in just 20 minutes and bursting with the perfect balance of umami, zest, and savory goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hibachi Chicken keeps things simple but full of flavor. Every ingredient plays a role, from creating that golden, buttery saute to adding pops of color and freshness at the end. Here’s how each piece comes together to create magic on your stovetop!
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 ½ lbs): Thighs give juicier results, but breasts work great if you prefer leaner bites.
- Avocado or vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): You need an oil with a high smoke point to get that irresistible golden crust.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Delivers deep, salty umami—use low-sodium if you like to control saltiness.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds nutty warmth and classic hibachi aroma, so don’t skip it!
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Brings richness and helps develop a glossy, savory sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): The essential aromatic that gives bold, mouthwatering flavor.
- Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and depth, perfectly balancing the savory notes.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Gives each bite a pop of brightness and zing.
- Mirin or rice vinegar (1 tablespoon, optional): A touch of sweetness or tang if you like a rounder flavor—totally optional but delicious.
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (1 tablespoon, for garnish): A sprinkle of green for freshness and a pop of color at the end.
How to Make Hibachi Chicken
Step 1: Preheat Your Skillet or Griddle
Set a large skillet or, even better, a flat-top griddle over medium-high heat. Let it get nice and hot before you add anything—that sizzle is the secret to that beautiful caramelization Hibachi Chicken is famous for!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Drizzle in the avocado or vegetable oil, swirling to coat the surface. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer (don’t crowd the pan!) and let them sear untouched for 2 to 3 minutes. This patience gives you those irresistible golden edges.
Step 3: Finish Cooking the Chicken
Flip each piece over and continue cooking for 4 to 5 more minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and have a lovely golden brown color all around. If you’re using thighs, watch for that juicy finish; with breasts, avoid overcooking so they stay tender.
Step 4: Sauce it Up
Toss in the butter, minced garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, black pepper, and mirin or rice vinegar (if you’re using it). Stir everything together as the butter melts, making sure each morsel gets coated in the glossy, savory sauce. Cook for about 2 more minutes—let the sauce reduce a bit so it clings to the chicken.
Step 5: Brighten and Garnish
Turn off the heat and splash in that freshly squeezed lemon juice right at the end. Toss again, then shower your Hibachi Chicken with chopped parsley or green onions for that vibrant finish. Serve it piping hot!
How to Serve Hibachi Chicken
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh parsley or green onions turns Hibachi Chicken from good to great. For extra flavor and crunch, you could sprinkle over some toasted sesame seeds, or add a few thin lemon slices for a bright visual pop. The garnish not only makes the dish look beautiful but also adds a final hint of freshness in each bite.
Side Dishes
Hibachi Chicken shines alongside classic Japanese steakhouse sides like fried rice, sautéed zucchini and onions, or simple steamed white rice. Don’t forget a little ginger or yum yum sauce for dipping! If you’re feeling noodles, a quick stir-fried yakisoba makes for an awesome pairing. Keep your choice colorful and vibrant for that authentic hibachi dinner feel.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by serving Hibachi Chicken on a sizzling platter for dramatic effect, or pile it into lettuce wraps for a lighter twist. Skewer the chicken and arrange on a bamboo plank with extra lemon wedges for a fun, party-friendly vibe. Want to impress? Serve with a drizzle of homemade hibachi sauce and a sprinkle of microgreens for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hibachi Chicken should cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Tuck it in the fridge; it’ll keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, staying surprisingly juicy and flavorful thanks to the buttery sauce.
Freezing
If you want to make Hibachi Chicken ahead, it freezes beautifully! Seal cooled portions in a freezer bag (remove as much air as possible) or use freezer-safe containers. Your hibachi feast will taste just as delicious after thawing within 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm Hibachi Chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly and keep the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in Hibachi Chicken?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully. Thighs stay extra juicy, but if you prefer a leaner result, breasts cook up deliciously too. Just be sure not to overcook the breast meat to keep it tender.
Do I need a flat-top griddle to make Hibachi Chicken?
Not at all! A large heavy skillet, like cast iron or nonstick, works perfectly in a home kitchen. A griddle adds to the steakhouse vibe, but the technique and flavors shine through in a regular pan.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap in gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy Hibachi Chicken even if you’re avoiding gluten.
What’s the best way to get that classic hibachi sear?
The keys are a screaming-hot pan and not overcrowding. Letting the chicken pieces sit undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping gives you those golden, flavorful edges everyone loves at hibachi restaurants.
Can I substitute another protein, like shrimp or beef?
Definitely! The basic process stays the same. Try shrimp for a quick-cooking option (just reduce the cook time), or thinly sliced steak for a heartier hibachi plate. The sauce works beautifully with all kinds of proteins.
Final Thoughts
Hibachi Chicken is comfort food with a fun, interactive twist—and it’s way easier than you might think! Give it a go the next time you’re craving Japanese steakhouse magic without leaving home. Let your creativity shine with sides and garnishes, and savor every saucy, savory bite!
Print
Hibachi Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the flavors of a Japanese steakhouse at home with this easy hibachi chicken recipe. Tender chicken cooked with savory sauces and seasonings for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons avocado or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon mirin or rice vinegar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet or flat-top griddle over medium-high heat and add oil.
- Cook Chicken: Add chicken in a single layer, sear for 2-3 minutes, flip, and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
- Add Ingredients: Add butter, garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, black pepper, and mirin. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Finish: Squeeze lemon juice, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or steak for other hibachi variations.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if desired.
- Cooking on a flat-top griddle will enhance the restaurant-style experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
