Hibachi chicken is a Japanese-inspired grilled chicken dish that’s become wildly popular in Western teppanyaki restaurants. It’s loved for its smoky, char-grilled flavor, tender chicken bites, and the sizzling, interactive cooking style that often comes with a show.
This dish blends sweet, savory, and umami notes thanks to a combo of soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and butter. Paired with hibachi fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, and the ever-popular yum yum sauce, it delivers a restaurant-quality experience in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tbsp butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Fried Rice:
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2 cups cooked and chilled jasmine rice
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2 eggs, beaten
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½ cup diced carrots
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½ cup chopped green onions
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tbsp butter
For the Yum Yum Sauce:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 tbsp ketchup
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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½ tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp sugar
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1 tbsp melted butter
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2–3 tbsp water (to thin)
Optional Substitutions:
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Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
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Low-carb: Substitute cauliflower rice.
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Vegan: Use tofu instead of chicken and vegan mayo for the sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Yum Yum Sauce:
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Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
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Add water gradually until the consistency is smooth and slightly runny.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
2. Cook the Chicken:
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Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or flat griddle over medium-high heat.
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Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
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Sauté for 5–7 minutes or until chicken is golden and cooked through.
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Add soy sauce and butter in the last 1–2 minutes for flavor and shine.
3. Make the Fried Rice:
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In the same skillet, push chicken to one side or remove it temporarily.
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Add butter, carrots, and green onions; sauté for 2 minutes.
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Add eggs and scramble until cooked.
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Stir in cold rice, breaking up clumps.
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Add soy sauce and sesame oil, then combine everything.
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Stir-fry for another 3–5 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.
4. Final Assembly:
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Serve chicken over or alongside fried rice.
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Drizzle with yum yum sauce or serve on the side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
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Overcrowding the pan can cause steaming instead of searing.
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Using warm rice for fried rice will make it mushy—chill it first!
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Not prepping ingredients ahead leads to rushed cooking and missed steps.
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
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Use a cast iron skillet or flat top grill for authentic sear and flavor.
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Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
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Add a splash of lemon juice or mirin for a hint of brightness.
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For extra flair, toast sesame seeds and sprinkle them before serving.
Variations and Customizations
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Vegetarian: Use tofu or tempeh and vegetable broth in place of chicken.
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Spicy: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the chicken marinade.
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Fusion: Swap fried rice with quinoa or use coconut rice for a tropical twist.
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Keto-friendly: Replace rice with riced cauliflower and skip the sauce or use a keto mayo alternative.
Serving Suggestions
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Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
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Serve with a side of sautéed zucchini and mushrooms, like in restaurants.
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Pair with a chilled Japanese beer or a light green tea.
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Add a side of miso soup or ginger salad for a full hibachi meal at home.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
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Calories: 550
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Protein: 38g
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Carbohydrates: 32g
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Fat: 28g
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Sugar: 4g
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Sodium: 880mg
Nutritional values will vary based on portion sizes and ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use store-bought yum yum sauce?
Yes, but homemade offers fresher flavor and customizable sweetness/spice.
What’s the best rice for hibachi fried rice?
Day-old jasmine or long-grain white rice works best for texture and separation.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Store the components separately. Reheat chicken and rice in a pan for best texture.
How long can leftovers last?
Up to 3–4 days in the fridge when stored in airtight containers.
Closing Thoughts
Making hibachi chicken at home is not only satisfying—it’s fun! You get to recreate a flavorful, sizzling favorite without needing a teppanyaki grill. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable for dietary needs or taste preferences.
So fire up your skillet, grab some chopsticks, and bring the Japanese steakhouse experience to your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your results or ask any questions in the comments!
