This Easy Hibachi Chicken is a fun, tasty meal that brings a bit of the Japanese steakhouse to your kitchen. Juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and fried rice make it a complete dish!
I love how quick it is—perfect for busy nights! Plus, who doesn’t enjoy the sizzle and aroma that fills the kitchen? Just add your favorite sauces for an extra kick! 🍚🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cooking. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a juicier flavor or even shrimp for a seafood twist. Tofu works well too if you’re looking for a vegetarian option!
Rice: Day-old rice is best for fried rice because it’s drier and doesn’t turn mushy. If you don’t have leftovers, cook your rice and spread it out to cool before using. Quinoa can also be a fun substitute for a healthier base.
Vegetables: Zucchini and mushrooms are classic choices, but feel free to mix in bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots. If your family loves heat, try adding sliced jalapeños for some spice!
Hibachi Sauce: While the sauce balances flavors, you can swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Or, for a soy-free option, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken perfectly requires attention to heat and timing. Start with a hot skillet to sear the meat, which adds flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your skillet on medium-high heat. Add oil and let it heat up.
- Add chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This helps achieve a nice golden color.
- Let it cook without stirring for a few minutes. Then, stir occasionally until fully cooked, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes.
- Finish with a drizzle of soy sauce at the end for added flavor.
How to Make the Fried Rice Light and Fluffy?
For fluffy fried rice, use cold, day-old rice to prevent clumping. Here’s a quick guide:
- Heat a bit of oil in the skillet before adding the rice.
- Break up any clumps of rice as you stir-fry it, ensuring it gets coated with oil.
- Mix in the ingredients gradually, starting with veggies and then folding in the eggs.
- Season at the end for best flavor control!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delightful hibachi experience right at home! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Hibachi Chicken with Fried Rice and Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hibachi Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
For the Fried Rice:
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old and chilled)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Hibachi Veggies:
- 1 cup sliced zucchini
- 1 cup sliced white mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
For the Hibachi Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to cook, making a total time of around 35-40 minutes. Great for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Hibachi Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mayonnaise, melted butter, lemon juice, sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper until smooth. Set this aside while you cook the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned—about 6-8 minutes. In the last minute of cooking, drizzle the soy sauce over the chicken and remove it from the skillet. Keep the chicken warm.
3. Cook the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in your sliced zucchini, mushrooms, and chopped onion. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Season with soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
4. Make the Fried Rice:
- In the now-empty skillet, add 1-2 tablespoons of oil and warm it over medium heat.
- Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and scramble until just cooked. Remove the eggs and set them aside.
- Add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the diced carrots and onions until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the thawed peas and cook for another minute.
- Now, add your cold rice. Break up any clumps and stir-fry to combine everything evenly.
- Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and mix well.
- Drizzle in the soy sauce, add butter if using, and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and combined.
5. Plate the Dish:
On a plate, arrange a mound of fried rice next to the cooked chicken pieces and vibrant vegetables.
6. Serve:
Drizzle the hibachi sauce over the dish or serve it in a small bowl on the side. If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds over the chicken and veggies for extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade hibachi meal!
With this easy recipe, you can bring the delicious taste of hibachi right to your dining table. Enjoy and have fun cooking!
FAQ for Easy Hibachi Chicken with Fried Rice and Veggies
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly—shrimp cooks quickly, while beef may take a bit longer depending on the cut.
What If I Don’t Have Day-Old Rice?
No worries! You can use freshly cooked rice, but let it cool for a bit and spread it out on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes. This helps it dry out to prevent mushiness during frying.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in any vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
This FAQ should help address some common concerns and make your hibachi cooking experience even better! Enjoy your meal!