Hibachi style chicken! Just saying those words brings back memories of sizzling vegetables, the clatter of knives, and that iconic onion volcano. My family always celebrated special occasions at our local Japanese steakhouse, and hibachi style chicken was always my go to. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, delivering savory flavor and a touch of theatrics. Today, I’m sharing my homemade version, so you can enjoy this delicious meal anytime, right in your own kitchen!
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Why You Will Love This hibachi style chicken Recipe
This hibachi style chicken recipe captures all the magic of the restaurant experience but is simple enough to make at home on a busy weeknight. It’s incredibly flavorful, thanks to a simple yet effective marinade, and cooks up quickly. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite vegetables. Forget takeout; this is comfort food at its finest! The best part? It pairs perfectly with perfectly cooked Japanese rice.
Ingredients Needed for This hibachi style chicken Recipe
For the hibachi style chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sake (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon mirin (or rice wine vinegar with 1 teaspoon sugar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
For the vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, cut into thick slices
- 2 medium zucchini, cut into half moons
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into chunks
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the chicken fried rice hibachi (optional):
- 3 cups cooked and cooled rice (preferably day old)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (optional, for egg fried rice)
How to Make This hibachi style chicken Recipe
- 1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, sake, mirin, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- 2. Prep the Vegetables: Chop all the vegetables according to the ingredient list. Have them ready to go before you start cooking.
- 3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- 4. Cook the Vegetables: Add the vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the zucchini, bell pepper, and broccoli. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss to combine and heat through. Serve immediately with steamed rice or chicken fried rice hibachi.
- 6. Make Chicken Fried Rice Hibachi (Optional): If making chicken fried rice hibachi, heat sesame oil in the skillet. Pour in the beaten egg (if using) and cook, scrambling until set. Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, peas and carrots. Stir fry till the rice is hot. Add the green onion with the chicken and vegetables for serving. It makes a complete dish!
How to Serve This hibachi style chicken Recipe
Serve your hibachi style chicken hot, right off the skillet. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a restaurant worthy presentation. It’s delicious served over steamed rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. For an extra touch of authenticity, serve with yum yum sauce or ginger sauce. Consider adding a side of miso soup or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
How to Store This hibachi style chicken Recipe
Leftover hibachi style chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and vegetables in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make This hibachi style chicken Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Cut Vegetables Evenly: Cutting the vegetables into similar sizes will ensure that they cook evenly.
- Use High Heat: Cooking the chicken and vegetables over high heat will give them a nice sear and prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Prep Everything in Advance: Hibachi style chicken cooks quickly, so it’s important to have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
Helpful Notes for This hibachi style chicken Recipe
For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Feel free to adjust the vegetables to your liking. Mushrooms, carrots, and bean sprouts are all great additions. If you don’t have sake or mirin on hand, you can substitute dry sherry or rice wine vinegar, respectively. If using rice wine vinegar in place of mirin, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity.
Variation of This hibachi style chicken Recipe
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or drizzle with sriracha before serving. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cube and marinate as directed. You can also add pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory flavor.
What exactly is hibachi style chicken?
Hibachi style chicken refers to chicken cooked on a flat, hot griddle, often with a flavorful combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other savory seasonings. The cooking style originated in Japan and is often associated with teppanyaki restaurants.
What are some good side dishes to serve with hibachi chicken?
Hibachi chicken is traditionally served with grilled vegetables like zucchini, onions, and mushrooms. Other great side dishes include fried rice, steamed rice, noodles, and a light, refreshing salad to balance the richness of the sauce.
Can I use a different cut of chicken for hibachi style?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in hibachi style recipes. Chicken thighs will result in a juicier and more flavorful dish due to their higher fat content, but both options work well.
What’s the best soy sauce to use for hibachi chicken?
Low-sodium soy sauce is often preferred in hibachi chicken recipes to control the overall saltiness of the dish. You can also a gluten-free tamari sauce. The choice depends on your taste preferences and dietary needs.
How do I get the chicken browned without overcooking it?
Ensure your griddle or pan is hot before adding the chicken. Sear the chicken quickly on both sides to develop a nice color, then lower the heat slightly and continue cooking until it’s cooked through but still juicy. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and steam the chicken instead of browning it.
Conclusion
This homemade hibachi style chicken brings all the excitement and flavor of your favorite Japanese steakhouse straight to your kitchen. From the sizzling chicken to the perfectly cooked vegetables, every bite is comforting, savory, and satisfying. It’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again for family dinners or special occasions.
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