Hibachi Chicken
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Hibachi Chicken, a dish seared to golden perfection and drenched in a savory homemade sauce. This easy-to-make recipe brings the excitement of hibachi dining straight to your kitchen.
The tender chicken, complemented by crisp vegetables like carrots and zucchini, absorbs the rich, tangy hibachi sauce for a meal that is both satisfying and full of flavor. Pair it with fluffy rice and the creamy yum yum sauce for a complete experience.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this Hibachi Chicken is sure to become a favorite. Quick to prepare and brimming with bold tastes, it offers a delightful twist on traditional hibachi cuisine.
Hibachi Chicken Ingredients
The star of this dish, tender chicken breasts, provide a juicy and hearty base. Seasoned with salt and pepper, they form the perfect canvas for the rich flavors to come.
Crisp, fresh carrots and zucchini add vibrant color and a satisfying crunch, balancing the savory sauce while enhancing the dish’s overall texture.
The hibachi sauce blends sharp onion, garlic, and zesty ginger, with soy sauce and vinegars bringing depth and a harmonious tang. Brown sugar rounds out the sauce, offering a touch of sweetness that elevates the dish.
Lastly, rice serves as the perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce, while the creamy yum yum sauce ties everything together for a delightful finish.
Recipe Tips
- Perfectly Seared Chicken
For a beautifully seared, golden chicken, ensure that your skillet is preheated on medium-high heat before adding the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and a crispy exterior. Searing the chicken just until golden on each side helps lock in the juices and enhances the flavor. - Balance the Sauce
The hibachi sauce is a key component of this dish, so it’s important to balance the flavors of acidity, sweetness, and umami. If you prefer a tangier sauce, feel free to add a little extra rice wine vinegar or lemon juice. For a sweeter note, increase the amount of brown sugar. Adjust the seasoning as you blend the ingredients for a perfectly balanced taste. - Vegetable Variations
While carrots and zucchini are classic vegetables for hibachi, feel free to get creative by adding other favorites like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas. These vegetables not only add different textures but also elevate the dish with additional flavors and color, making it even more vibrant and delicious.
What to Serve with Hibachi Chicken
- Fried Rice
A classic hibachi side, fried rice is the perfect pairing for this dish. The warm, fluffy rice soaks up the savory hibachi sauce, creating a satisfying balance with the juicy chicken and vegetables. Add a few scrambled eggs or some peas to make it even more flavorful and hearty. - Steamed Vegetables
If you prefer a lighter side, steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or bok choy are a great complement. Their natural sweetness and crisp texture provide a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the hibachi chicken and the creamy yum yum sauce. - Miso Soup
For a comforting and traditional side, miso soup offers a warm, umami-packed addition to your meal. The soup’s delicate flavors pair wonderfully with the boldness of the hibachi chicken, providing a soothing and well-rounded dining experience.
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work perfectly in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, which can add an extra richness to the dish. Just ensure the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature. - Can I make the hibachi sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The hibachi sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This will not only save time but also allow the flavors to meld together for an even richer taste. - Can I use a non-stick skillet for this recipe?
Yes, a non-stick skillet works fine for cooking the chicken, though a cast-iron skillet will give you a better sear and crispy exterior. If you use non-stick, make sure the pan is well-heated to achieve that golden sear on the chicken. - Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Be sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking to help it achieve a nice, crispy texture. The hibachi sauce and yum yum sauce will complement the tofu just as well!
Hibachi Chicken
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breasts diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup carrots thinly sliced
- 1 cup zucchini chopped
- Rice for serving
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- For the Hibachi Sauce:
- ½ yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chinkiang vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- For the Yum Yum Sauce:
- Ingredients for yum yum sauce are not provided, so assume it’s to be added for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken. Dice the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and season with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
- For the hibachi sauce, combine the yellow onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, chinkiang vinegar, lemon juice, brown sugar, and pepper in a blender. Pulse until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear them on all sides until they reach a light golden color.
- Once the chicken is seared, add the sliced carrots and chopped zucchini to the skillet. Pour in about half a cup of the hibachi sauce, and sauté the mixture until the chicken is cooked through, and the sauce has thickened. Add additional sauce as needed, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the chicken and vegetables from the skillet and serve them over warm rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and drizzle with yum yum sauce to complete the dish.
