If you’re craving the bold, sizzling flavors of a Japanese steakhouse but prefer the comfort of your own kitchen, this Easy Hibachi Chicken recipe is exactly what you need. It delivers juicy, golden-brown chicken bites tossed in savory garlic butter and soy sauce, paired with vibrant sautéed vegetables. Add a drizzle of creamy Yum Yum sauce and a side of fried or steamed rice, and you’ve got a quick, satisfying meal that rivals your favorite hibachi grill.
This dish is the ultimate weeknight dinner: quick to prepare, minimal cleanup, and completely customizable to your taste. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding the whole family, this homemade hibachi-style meal will impress with every bite.
Why This Hibachi Chicken Will Be Your New Go-To
1. Fast and Flavorful
Get dinner on the table in just 25 minutes without sacrificing taste. The garlic butter-soy sauce combo creates deep umami notes that coat every bite of chicken.
2. One Skillet Simplicity
Everything is cooked in a single pan—less mess and fewer dishes to wash later.
3. Versatile and Customizable
You can easily switch up the veggies, adjust the seasoning, or even swap in shrimp or tofu to suit your preferences.
4. Better Than Takeout
Fresh, wholesome ingredients make this a healthier alternative to restaurant meals—plus, you control what goes into your food.
5. Naturally Gluten-Free Option
With a simple swap to tamari or coconut aminos, this meal is safe for gluten-free diets without compromising flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
For the Vegetables
- 1 small zucchini, cut into half-moons
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced thin
- ½ medium onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Yum Yum Sauce (Optional but Recommended)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons water, to thin as needed
How to Make Hibachi Chicken at Home
This recipe is as close to the hibachi grill experience as you can get without leaving your kitchen. Follow these four easy steps:
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken to the hot pan. Season it with salt, black pepper, and ground ginger.
- Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in the butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Remove from the heat and set the chicken aside.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Toss in the zucchini, mushrooms, and onions. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still slightly crisp.
- Add soy sauce and garlic powder, stirring well to combine. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Make the Yum Yum Sauce (Optional)
- In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, and sugar.
- Add water one tablespoon at a time, stirring until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve for best results.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
- Spoon rice or noodles into bowls.
- Top with hibachi chicken and vegetables.
- Drizzle with Yum Yum sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Japanese-style feast!
Serving Details
- Serves: 4 people
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Variations to Try
Add Heat
Spice lovers can toss in red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic paste during cooking for an extra kick.
Low-Carb Friendly
Replace rice with cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage for a lighter, carb-conscious version.
Protein Variety
This dish works equally well with shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef for a different twist.
Vegetable Swaps
Try adding bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli florets, or baby corn. Adjust cooking times to ensure tenderness.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free without compromising flavor.
Expert Tips for Perfect Hibachi Chicken
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Cook in batches if necessary to allow each piece of chicken to brown properly and avoid steaming.
Keep It Juicy
Finishing the chicken with butter helps lock in moisture and adds richness to the final flavor.
Use High Heat
A hot skillet or wok helps achieve that signature sear and smoky flavor you associate with hibachi-style dishes.
Prep Ahead
Chop all your vegetables and measure ingredients before you start cooking. This ensures everything comes together quickly.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerator Storage:
Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Tips:
Freeze cooked chicken and vegetables in separate airtight containers or freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Skillet: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5–6 minutes for crispier results.
Easy Hibachi Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 medium onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and ground ginger.
- Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Stir in butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Cook another 1–2 minutes, then remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add zucchini, mushrooms, and onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add soy sauce and garlic powder to the vegetables and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat.
- Serve the hibachi chicken with sautéed vegetables over rice or noodles. Drizzle with Yum Yum sauce if desired.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken can be added during the sauce step. Just warm it through in the skillet.
Is olive oil okay instead of sesame oil?
Olive oil works fine, but sesame oil adds a traditional hibachi flavor. A blend of both is a great option.
Can this be cooked in an air fryer?
Yes, the chicken can be air fried at 375°F for 12–15 minutes. Stir or shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, but chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster.
Can I grill the chicken instead?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and sesame oil, then grill until nicely charred and fully cooked.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
It can be! Simply replace butter with coconut oil or an extra splash of sesame oil.
What sides go well with hibachi chicken?
Fried rice, steamed jasmine rice, lo mein, or ramen noodles are all excellent choices. A side of miso soup or a simple salad can round out the meal.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to cook everything in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which could lead to soggy chicken.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Hibachi Chicken is one of those meals that feels special without the stress. It’s quick, customizable, and absolutely loaded with mouthwatering flavor. Whether you’re planning a fun dinner night, need a reliable meal prep option, or simply want something delicious and satisfying, this dish fits the bill.
Pair it with steamed rice or noodles and your favorite sauce, and enjoy a Japanese-inspired dinner right at home. With the flexibility to tweak ingredients and the simplicity of a one-pan method, this Hibachi Chicken recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.