Hibachi Chicken Recipe

If you love restaurant-style Japanese meals you can whip up at home, Hibachi Chicken is going to become your new go-to favorite. This irresistible dish features juicy bites of chicken cooked on a hot skillet, tossed in a savory, garlicky sauce, and finished with a glossy butter shine. It’s easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner yet guaranteed to make everyone at the table feel like they’re dining at a hibachi grill. With simple, wholesome ingredients and bold, crowd-pleasing flavors, this recipe strikes that perfect balance of speedy, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of carefully chosen ingredients can come together for a truly restaurant-worthy Hibachi Chicken. Each item on this list adds something essential to the finished dish, whether it’s savory depth, silky richness, or a pop of color and freshness.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Go for about 1 ½ pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces; thighs give extra juiciness, but breasts are lean and tender.
• Sesame oil (or vegetable oil): Adds a nutty, aromatic base flavor that sets the stage for that classic hibachi taste.
• Butter: Gives irresistible silkiness and glossy finish; don’t skip this for that hibachi magic!
• Soy sauce: The backbone of savory umami; choose regular or low-sodium depending on your preference.
• Teriyaki sauce: Adds a sweet-savory depth that pairs perfectly with the garlic and ginger.
• Rice vinegar: Lifts and balances the richness of the sauce with a subtle tang.
• Minced garlic: For a bold, punchy hit of flavor; fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch.
• Freshly grated ginger: Adds zesty warmth that brings everything together.
• Salt and pepper: To taste; season with a light hand since the sauces already bring plenty of flavor.
• Chopped green onions: A final sprinkle of color, flavor, and crunch for garnish.
• Cooked white rice or fried rice: To serve; this is classic hibachi-style and soaks up every drop of sauce.

How to Make Hibachi Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet or flat-top griddle over medium-high heat. Spread your chicken pieces out in a single layer—this way, each piece gets a beautiful golden sear. Let the chicken cook for about 4 to 5 minutes without stirring too much, so it can develop that restaurant-style caramelization on the bottom.

Step 2: Add Flavor Foundation

Once the first side is nicely browned, flip the chicken and add the butter, garlic, and ginger all at once. The butter melts, creating a luscious sauce that clings to each piece, while the garlic and ginger release their irresistible aroma. Stir everything well so the chicken gets coated in all those fragrant flavors.

Step 3: Finish Cooking

Continue to cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden on the edges. You want the pieces juicy in the center but caramelized outside—classic hibachi goodness!

Step 4: Build the Perfect Sauce

Pour in the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and rice vinegar. Give it a lively stir, and in just 1 to 2 more minutes the sauce will bubble up, thicken a bit, and coat all the chicken in a glossy glaze that begs to be scooped up with rice.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Take the pan off the heat, toss on the chopped green onions for a fresh, crunchy lift, and serve your hibachi chicken hot over a bed of fluffy white rice or sizzling fried rice. It’s the ultimate feel-good, flavor-packed meal!

How to Serve Hibachi Chicken

Garnishes

The signature finishing touch for Hibachi Chicken has to be a sprinkle of bright, chopped green onions. For even more flair, try adding toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of your favorite yum yum sauce. These little extras add color and a burst of flavor that make the dish feel truly special every single time.

Side Dishes

No hibachi experience is complete without the classic sides! Serve your Hibachi Chicken with sautéed hibachi-style vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, and onions. Japanese fried rice is a must, but a simple steamed jasmine or short-grain white rice works beautifully, too. And if you love dipping sauces, offer a side of creamy yum yum sauce or a bowl of miso soup for a full-on restaurant vibe at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not make your hibachi chicken night an event? Set up a “do-it-yourself” hibachi station with various toppings and sides so everyone can assemble their bowl just the way they like. Serve directly from the skillet for a sizzling tableside presentation, or plate it up in colorful bowls with plenty of garnishes and a fun set of chopsticks on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with extra Hibachi Chicken (lucky you!), simply let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify as it sits, making leftovers downright irresistible for lunch the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled Hibachi Chicken in a single layer in a freezer-friendly container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to two months—perfect for quick meal prep! Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Hibachi Chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to keep things juicy. The microwave also works in a pinch—just cover and heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, to preserve tenderness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Hibachi Chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them an excellent choice for Hibachi Chicken. They tend to be more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them, too.

What kind of pan is best for making Hibachi Chicken at home?

A large flat skillet, cast iron pan, or even an electric griddle will mimic that high-heat hibachi grill effect. The key is a big enough surface so the chicken can sear, not steam.

Can I make Hibachi Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and check your teriyaki sauce as well. This simple change makes the recipe easily gluten-free without losing flavor.

What’s the best way to get that signature hibachi flavor?

The combination of sesame oil, butter, garlic, ginger, and the mix of sauces is what gives Hibachi Chicken its unmistakable restaurant flavor. Don’t skip the butter—that’s the finishing touch that really makes the dish!

Is Hibachi Chicken spicy?

Hibachi Chicken is savory, garlicky, and a little tangy, but not spicy. If you want some heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like making a batch of hibachi chicken at home—it’s simple, deeply satisfying, and the flavors never fail to impress. Whether you’re making it for a quick family dinner or a fun night in with friends, this dish delivers every time. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll have a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation!

Print