Recreate Hibachi Chicken at Home in Just 3 Easy Steps
If you have eaten at a Japanese steakhouse, you probably enjoyed hibachi chicken. The chef cooks it right in front of you on a hot hibachi grill. The experience is more than just a meal; it’s a performance, complete with fiery flair and delicious aromas.
But what if you could bring that experience right to your kitchen? Today, we will show you how to make hibachi style chicken. You can use simple ingredients and kitchen tools. A Blackstone griddle or a large skillet works well for this recipe.
This easy hibachi chicken recipe will show you how to cook tender chicken. It uses a great mix of flavors like soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and a bit of garlic powder. You will also get that classic crispy texture you love from hibachi restaurants.
Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy hibachi at home. Let’s dive into this irresistible dish!
Table of Contents
What is Hibachi Chicken?
Chefs inspired hibachi chicken by the cooking style popularized by Japanese steakhouse restaurants. The term “hibachi” means a traditional Japanese grill.
Chefs often prepare food in front of diners using this cooking method. This creates a lively and fun atmosphere.
Chefs usually cook the food on medium-high heat. This gives it a charred and crisp outside. The inside stays juicy and full of flavor.
In this recipe, we will show you how to make hibachi chicken at home. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. The key ingredients are soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and garlic powder. These will make your chicken tender and tasty, just like the dish at your favorite Japanese restaurant.
Why Make Hibachi Chicken at Home?
Cooking hibachi-style meals at home is something special. Not just about the food, but about the experience. Here are a few reasons why making hibachi chicken at home is a great idea:
- Convenience: No need to make reservations at a busy restaurant. You can make this tasty dish at home. Use a Blackstone griddle, a large skillet, or your hibachi grill.
- Control Over Ingredients: You get to choose the quality of ingredients that enter your meal. Whether you prefer organic chicken or a healthier yum yum sauce, you’re in control.
- Cost-Effective: Dining out at a Japanese steakhouse can be expensive, especially for a family. With this recipe, you can make a similar dish for a fraction of the price.
- Customization: Want to add more heat? Add some chili flakes.
- Want to make it sweeter? A little more teriyaki sauce will do the trick. The beauty of making hibachi style chicken at home is that it’s completely customizable.
Ingredients for Hibachi Chicken
To make the best hibachi chicken at home, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Optional: Mustard sauce, for drizzling
- Yum yum sauce, for serving
How to Make Hibachi Chicken at Home
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly. Season the pieces generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then, drizzle soy sauce and teriyaki sauce over the chicken, mixing it all.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes so the flavors can fully infuse the meat. For an extra boost of flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 1 hour in the fridge.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
Now, it’s time to cook your chicken! You have a few options here depending on the equipment you have available:
- Using a Large Skillet: Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Place the marinated chicken pieces in the skillet, making sure to spread them out so they don’t overlap. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken browns and cooks through.
- Using a Blackstone Griddle: If you have a Blackstone griddle, heat it to medium-high heat and add a little oil. Once the griddle is hot, place the chicken on it. Cook each piece for about 5-7 minutes. Turn the chicken occasionally to make sure all sides get a nice sear.
- Using a Hibachi Grill: If you’re lucky enough to have a hibachi grill, this is the perfect time to use it. Preheat your hibachi grill and cook the chicken in small batches to ensure each piece gets that signature sear and crispness.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully browned, it’s time to serve! Place the cooked chicken on a platter, drizzle with yum yum sauce for extra flavor, and serve it alongside hibachi fried rice. You can also drizzle some mustard sauce for an added tangy kick.
The result? A deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even special occasions.
Tips for the Perfect Hibachi Chicken
- Get the Heat Right: The key to achieving that perfect hibachi-style sear is to cook on medium-high heat. This allows the chicken to brown beautifully on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
- Use Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Chicken breasts are fine, but boneless skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for hibachi chicken. They stay moist during cooking and have a richer flavor.
- Customize Your Sauce: Don’t be afraid to mix things up with your sauces. Soy sauce and teriyaki sauce are common staples. You can also add mustard sauce for a tangy twist. If you like heat, try adding chili sauce.
- Try Different Cooking Surfaces: A Blackstone griddle works well for this recipe. You can also get a great sear on a large skillet or a hibachi grill. Finding the right tool for the job is what matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? Absolutely! While many people prefer chicken thighs for their juiciness, you can choose boneless skinless chicken breasts if you like. Just be mindful not to overcook them, as chicken breasts can dry out faster.
- Can I make hibachi chicken without a hibachi grill? Yes, you can! A Blackstone griddle or a large skillet works just as well. Both will give you that delicious crispy texture that’s characteristic of hibachi-style chicken.
- What can I serve with hibachi chicken? Hibachi fried rice is a classic choice. You can also serve it with grilled vegetables, a light salad, or a side of yum yum sauce for dipping.
Conclusion
Making hibachi chicken at home is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can recreate the magic of a Japanese steakhouse right in your kitchen.
You can use a Blackstone griddle, a large skillet, or a hibachi grill. This recipe will always give you the classic hibachi flavor and texture. Gather your ingredients, turn on your stove, and get ready to enjoy a meal that is fun to cook and eat!