The hibachi chicken recipe brings restaurant-style flavor straight to your stovetop with minimal effort. Juicy, tender chicken cooked over high heat with soy sauce, sesame oil, and butter creates a savory, umami-rich dish that tastes just like your favorite Japanese steakhouse entrée. You don’t need a flat-top grill or a professional chef’s hat—just a skillet and a few ingredients. This recipe is packed with protein and seasoned to perfection, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals or laid-back weekend cooking. When paired with hibachi veggies and fried rice, it becomes a complete, satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes.
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Why You’ll Love This Hibachi Chicken Recipe
The hibachi chicken recipe is the definition of quick, simple, and flavorful. With just one pan and under 15 minutes of cooking time, it fits right into your busy schedule. It’s also a great recipe for families since it’s mild, kid-friendly, and easily adaptable to different tastes. Craving seafood instead? Pair it with hibachi shrimp for a surf-and-turf experience. Prefer beef? Serve it alongside hibachi steak. You can even use it for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully. No fancy tools, no marinating required—just delicious results.
Ingredients with Quantity for Hibachi Chicken Recipe
To make the hibachi chicken recipe at home, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples. Here’s what to grab:
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast – cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper – freshly ground is best
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – or use avocado or sesame oil for higher smoke point
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – for a rich, caramelized flavor
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil – adds nuttiness and depth
- 1 tablespoon butter – key to that signature hibachi richness
These ingredients come together to create juicy, golden-brown chicken with an irresistible flavor. Want to explore more seasoning options? Try pairing it with this hibachi steak marinade for a unified hibachi spread.
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Hibachi Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
The hibachi chicken recipe brings restaurant-style flavor straight to your stovetop with minimal effort. Juicy, tender chicken cooked over high heat with soy sauce, sesame oil, and butter creates a savory, umami-rich dish that tastes just like your favorite Japanese steakhouse entrée.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-size chunks and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil.
- Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 2–3 minutes before flipping.
- Add soy sauce and stir until caramelized.
- Pour in sesame oil and stir, then melt in the butter.
- Mix everything well and serve immediately with hibachi sides.
Notes
Swap chicken breast for thighs for more flavor. Use coconut aminos for a low-sodium version. Ghee works as a butter substitute. Add garlic or lemon for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: hibachi chicken, Japanese dinner, skillet chicken, easy hibachi, Benihana copycat
Essential Hibachi Chicken Recipe Tools for Cooking
The hibachi chicken recipe is easy to execute with a few kitchen basics. A wok is ideal for high-heat cooking and quick tossing, but a 12-inch cast iron skillet or large sauté pan works just as well. You’ll also need a sharp chef’s knife for cutting chicken into uniform pieces and a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon for stirring. Prep bowls help organize your ingredients before the cooking begins, which is crucial since hibachi-style dishes cook fast. If you’re prepping a full hibachi spread, consider using separate pans for your sides like hibachi noodles or rice.
How to Make the Hibachi Chicken Recipe
The hibachi chicken recipe comes together in just a few steps. Start by cutting the chicken into bite-size chunks. Season with salt and pepper. Heat your wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 2–3 minutes before flipping or tossing. Add soy sauce and stir until it caramelizes on the chicken. Pour in sesame oil for that toasty flavor, then melt in the butter. Stir everything well to coat. That’s it—serve immediately with your favorite sides like hibachi veggies or fried rice.
Swaps and Substitutions of Hibachi Chicken Recipe
The hibachi chicken recipe is highly customizable. You can swap chicken breast for chicken thighs if you prefer more flavor and tenderness. For a lower sodium version, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Don’t have butter? Use ghee or omit it for a dairy-free version. You can also add crushed garlic or a dash of lemon juice for extra zing. Want a bolder mix? Combine this chicken with hibachi steak and shrimp for a full surf and turf hibachi combo. No matter the variation, it’s sure to be a flavorful favorite.
What to Serve with the Hibachi Chicken Recipe
The hibachi chicken recipe pairs perfectly with all your favorite Japanese-inspired sides. For a classic steakhouse-style meal, serve it with hibachi veggies like zucchini, onions, and mushrooms. Add a scoop of fried rice or mix it up with savory hibachi noodles. Craving more variety? Try it as part of a surf-and-turf combo with hibachi shrimp or a full plate of hibachi steak and shrimp. You can also drizzle some yum yum sauce or teriyaki glaze on top for an extra layer of flavor. It’s versatile, simple, and completely satisfying.
Conclusion
The hibachi chicken recipe is a must-try if you’re looking for an easy, flavorful dinner that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction. With just a few ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you’ll have juicy, restaurant-quality chicken on your table. Whether you serve it solo or with sides like hibachi steak or rice, it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
FAQs About the Hibachi Chicken Recipe
What is the secret ingredient in hibachi?
The hibachi chicken recipe often relies on a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and butter for that irresistible flavor. But the real secret? Cooking at high heat and finishing with butter to create a rich, caramelized coating.
Should I marinate chicken for hibachi?
The hibachi chicken recipe doesn’t require marinating, making it perfect for busy nights. However, if you want a deeper flavor, you can let the chicken sit in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil for 30 minutes beforehand.
What do hibachi chefs use for seasoning?
The hibachi chicken recipe keeps it simple with salt, black pepper, and soy sauce. Some chefs also use garlic powder, ginger, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. The key is balancing savory, salty, and umami notes.
What sauces do you use for hibachi?
The hibachi chicken recipe is commonly paired with yum yum sauce or ginger sauce. You can also add teriyaki, mustard, or even a touch of hoisin depending on your taste. These sauces enhance the savory chicken without overpowering it.
What gives hibachi its flavor?
The hibachi chicken recipe gets its flavor from soy sauce, sesame oil, and butter cooked at high temperatures. This combo creates a rich, slightly smoky taste that mimics what you’d find at a hibachi restaurant.
What’s the best marinade for chicken?
For a hibachi-style twist, use a mix of soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar or ginger. It brings out the best in the hibachi chicken recipe and pairs well with rice, veggies, or even noodles.
