Hibachi chicken is a popular Japanese dish known for its savory, tender, and flavorful profile. The term “hibachi” refers to a traditional Japanese grill used for cooking a variety of foods. While the authentic hibachi experience involves cooking on a specialized grill, you can recreate a delicious hibachi chicken dish in your own kitchen using a skillet or grill pan. This recipe will guide you through the steps of preparing hibachi chicken, including tips for marinating, cooking, and serving to ensure a delightful meal that captures the essence of this beloved dish.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or additional sesame oil for cooking
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to coat the chicken for a crispier texture)
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1/2 cup sliced onions
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Preparing the Marinade
To achieve the rich, savory flavor characteristic of hibachi chicken, start by preparing the marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce with 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. The sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic quality that enhances the overall flavor profile of the chicken. Next, add 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar to introduce a tangy element that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce. For sweetness, mix in 2 tablespoons of honey or brown sugar. The sweetness not only adds flavor but also helps to caramelize the chicken during cooking.
Incorporate 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger into the mixture. Garlic and ginger are essential for adding depth and complexity to the dish. If you prefer an additional umami boost, consider adding 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes can be included. Whisk the ingredients together until the honey or sugar is fully dissolved and the marinade is well combined.
2. Marinating the Chicken
Place the bite-sized pieces of chicken into a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor. Marinating not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat.
3. Preparing the Vegetables
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Clean and slice 1 cup of mushrooms, and cut 1 cup of broccoli into florets. Slice 1 cup of bell peppers and 1/2 cup of onions. Set the vegetables aside. The variety of vegetables adds color, texture, and nutritional value to the dish.
4. Cooking the Chicken
After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and drain off the excess marinade. To achieve a crispy exterior, coat the chicken pieces lightly with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or sesame oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
5. Sautéing the Vegetables
In the same skillet or a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, broccoli florets, bell peppers, and onions. Stir-fry the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Season the vegetables with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for additional flavor. Stir frequently to ensure that the vegetables cook evenly and develop a slight caramelization.
6. Combining the Chicken and Vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, combine them in the skillet. Stir well to ensure that the chicken and vegetables are evenly mixed. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for achieving the harmonious taste that defines hibachi chicken.
7. Garnishing and Serving
Transfer the hibachi chicken and vegetable mixture to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The green onions add a fresh, crisp element, while the sesame seeds provide a subtle crunch and additional flavor. Serve the hibachi chicken hot, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Marinating Time: For best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1-2 hours. If time is short, even 30 minutes will impart a good amount of flavor.
- Pan Temperature: Ensure that the pan is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a crispy texture. Medium-high heat works best for searing the chicken without burning it.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability. Other great options include snap peas, carrots, or zucchini.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Serving Suggestions: Hibachi chicken pairs well with a simple salad, miso soup, or a side of pickled vegetables to complete the meal.
Recreating the flavors of hibachi chicken at home is a rewarding experience that brings the essence of Japanese cuisine into your kitchen. By following this detailed recipe, you’ll be able to prepare a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, hibachi chicken offers a delicious and versatile option that can be enjoyed by all. So gather your ingredients, fire up your pan, and enjoy the savory, tender goodness of homemade hibachi chicken.
Ultimate Hibachi Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large Bowl
- 2 Resealable Plastic Bag or Mixing Bowl
- 3 Skillet or Grill Pan
- 4 Medium Saucepan (optional, for sauce)
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- – 1/4 cup soy sauce
- – 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- – 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- – 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- – 3 cloves garlic minced
- – 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- – 1 tablespoon oyster sauce optional
- – 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
For the Chicken:
- – 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- – 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil for cooking
- – 1 tablespoon cornstarch for coating
-For the Vegetables:
- – 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- – 1 cup broccoli florets
- – 1 cup sliced bell peppers any color
- – 1/2 cup sliced onions
- – 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- – 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For Garnish:
- – 2 green onions chopped
- – Sesame seeds
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- – In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar.
- – Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger. Optionally, stir in 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce and 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
Marinate the Chicken:
- – Place 1 1/2 pounds of bite-sized chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
- – Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- – Slice 1 cup of mushrooms, cut 1 cup of broccoli into florets, slice 1 cup of bell peppers, and slice 1/2 cup of onions. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- – Remove the chicken from the marinade and drain off excess liquid. Coat the chicken lightly with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for a crispier texture.
- – Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or sesame oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- – Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Sauté the Vegetables:
- – In the same skillet or a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat.
- – Add the sliced mushrooms, broccoli florets, bell peppers, and onions. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
- – Season with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and stir frequently.
Combine Chicken and Vegetables:
- – Once the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, combine them in the skillet. Stir well to mix.
- – Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Garnish and Serve:
- – Transfer the hibachi chicken and vegetables to a serving platter.
- – Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- – Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Thanks for the recipe.