Make hibachi chicken at home with tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy yum yum sauce. This easy, flavor-packed meal comes together quickly for a delicious weeknight dinner!
If you’ve ever been to a Japanese steakhouse, you know the magic of hibachi chicken—juicy, flavorful chicken, crisp-tender veggies, and that irresistible yum yum sauce that you drizzle over everything. But here’s the thing: you don’t need a flat-top grill or a fancy knife show to enjoy it at home. This easy hibachi chicken recipe brings all those classic flavors to your kitchen, no reservation required!
I love recreating takeout favorites at home, from healthy orange chicken to my sesame chicken, and this hibachi chicken is no exception. It’s simple, quick, and packed with restaurant-level flavor, perfect for a fun weeknight dinner or meal prep!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big hibachi flavors at home – No need for a fancy grill or onion volcano—this dish delivers all the classic hibachi goodness, right from your stovetop.
- A full meal in one pan – Juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and the most delicious sauce? All you need is a side of fried rice or quinoa to complete the meal.
- Better than takeout – Less oil, less sodium, and no mystery ingredients, but all the bold flavors you love!
- Customizable – Swap the protein, adjust the spice, or use your favorite veggies—this recipe is so easy to make your own.
Ingredients Needed
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to bring hibachi night to your kitchen!
- chicken – boneless, skinless chicken breast works great, but chicken thighs will give you an extra juicy result.
- butter – adds richness and that classic hibachi-style flavor.
- garlic & ginger – key aromatics that give this dish depth and warmth. I love using frozen ginger cubes for convenience!
- tamari or soy sauce – brings the perfect amount of umami and saltiness.
- hoisin sauce – adds a hint of sweetness and depth that balances the savory flavors.
- sesame oil – a small amount gives that signature toasted, nutty taste.
- black pepper – a little spice to bring everything together.
- veggies – a mix of fresh, colorful vegetables that cook up crisp-tender and absorb all the delicious flavors. I used zucchini, baby bella mushrooms, carrots, and onion, but feel free to swap in your favorites.
- yum yum sauce – the creamy, slightly sweet sauce that makes hibachi meals extra special! It’s made with mayo, tomato paste, rice vinegar, coconut sugar, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
Easy Recipe Substitutions
- Butter alternatives: swap for ghee for a richer flavor or use olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Swap tamari: Coconut aminos work great as a soy-free alternative with a slightly sweeter taste.
- Hoisin sauce flavor: If you don’t have hoisin, you can use a mix of soy sauce, a little honey, and a splash of rice vinegar to mimic the flavor.
- Other veggies: Stick with the hibachi classics or mix things up with bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or asparagus.
- Sauce swaps: To make it lighter, swap mayo for Greek yogurt. If you want a completely egg-free/dairy-free option, try vegan mayo instead.
How to Make Hibachi Chicken
Step 1: Make sauce for chicken by whisking together tamari, hoisin and sesame oil in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 1 Tablespoon butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the ginger and garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add chicken to the skillet. Season with pepper to taste. Stir occasionally until chicken is browned and cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165F, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 4: While the chicken is cooking, heat 2 Tablespoons butter in a separate large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot add minced garlic, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 5: Add veggies into the skillet, and cook for about 5-8 minutes, or until veggies are slightly soft, but still firm. You don’t want to overcook them.
Step 6: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce into the pan and let it thicken, about 1-2 minutes. Remove pan from heat and transfer chicken to a serving bowl.
Step 7: Add soy sauce, stir-fry another minute to coat the veggies.
Step 8: Divide chicken and veggies between four plates. Add a serving of brown, white or fried rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa or grain of choice. Drizzle with desired amount of yum yum sauce and enjoy!
Brittany’s Pro Tips!
- Prep everything first: Hibachi-style cooking moves fast! Chop your veggies, mince your garlic and ginger, and have all your sauces ready to go before you start cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed! Overcrowding will steam the ingredients instead of searing them, and we want caramelization, not sogginess.
How to Serve Hibachi Chicken
Hibachi chicken pairs well with so many sides! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the chicken and veggies separate from any sauces for the best texture.
Freezer – Hibachi chicken freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating – Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave for 1-2 minutes, but the stovetop will help keep the chicken juicy and the veggies crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
A large cast-iron skillet or stainless steel pan works best to get that golden sear on the chicken. If you have a flat-top griddle, even better!
Hibachi chicken is seasoned with soy sauce, butter, and aromatics like garlic and ginger, while teriyaki chicken is cooked in a sweeter, glaze-like sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin.
Nope! But if you like a little heat, add a dash of sriracha, red pepper flakes, or extra cayenne to the sauce.
