Hibachi Chicken & Rice Skillet Meal

Introduction

If you’ve ever been to a Japanese steakhouse, you know that the sizzling sound of food hitting the hot grill, the mouthwatering aroma of soy sauce and garlic, and the entertaining chef performances make hibachi dining an unforgettable experience. The great news? You don’t need a fancy grill or a personal chef to enjoy hibachi at home!

This Hibachi Chicken & Rice Skillet Meal brings all the flavors of your favorite Japanese steakhouse to your kitchen. Juicy, well-seasoned chicken, perfectly fried rice, and tender-crisp vegetables come together in a single skillet for a delicious, easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a homemade hibachi feast, this recipe has you covered.

Let’s dive into making this restaurant-quality hibachi meal at home!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp ginger (grated or minced)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Fried Rice:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old, refrigerated)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 tsp minced garlic

For the Vegetables:

• 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• ½ cup onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp soy sauce

For the Yum Yum Sauce (Optional, but recommended):

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp water (to thin it out if needed)

this RECIPE

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken starts to brown.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of butter, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir well and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and has a slight golden sear.
4. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and stir to coat. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the zucchini, mushrooms, and chopped onion, then stir-fry for about 4–5 minutes, or until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, stir for another 30 seconds, and then remove the vegetables from the pan. Set them aside with the cooked chicken.

Step 3: Make the Fried Rice

1. Wipe the skillet clean if necessary and heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Push the onions to one side of the pan and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
4. Stir in the cooked rice and break apart any clumps.
5. Add butter, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Mix everything well, allowing the rice to fry for about 3–4 minutes until slightly crispy.
6. Finally, stir in the peas and carrots, then cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Hibachi Meal

1. Return the cooked chicken and vegetables to the skillet with the fried rice. Stir everything together for 1–2 minutes to blend the flavors.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Make the Yum Yum Sauce (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, sugar, and water until smooth.
2. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

• Use Cold Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky. Day-old, refrigerated rice works best for achieving the perfect fried rice texture.
• High Heat is Key: Cooking over high heat helps sear the chicken and vegetables quickly, locking in their flavors without making them soggy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If needed, cook in batches to ensure each ingredient gets a proper sear. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than frying.
• Add Butter for Authentic Flavor: Japanese hibachi chefs always add butter for a rich, restaurant-style taste.

Variations

• Hibachi Steak & Rice: Swap out chicken for sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook it the same way as the chicken but adjust the cooking time based on your preferred doneness.
• Shrimp Hibachi: Use large shrimp, cooking them for only 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
• Vegetarian Hibachi: Skip the meat and double up on the vegetables. You can also add tofu for extra protein.
• Spicy Hibachi: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the fried rice or chicken for extra heat.

Conservation & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: The fried rice and chicken freeze well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Heat leftovers in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to restore moisture. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the rice.

Serving Suggestions

Hibachi Chicken & Rice pairs well with:

• A simple miso soup or clear Japanese onion soup for a full hibachi experience.
• A fresh cucumber salad or a side of steamed edamame.
• A drizzle of yum yum sauce or teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.
• A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Hibachi Chicken & Rice without a wok?

Yes! While a wok is great for high-heat cooking, you can use a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan for similar results. Just make sure the pan is large enough to prevent overcrowding.

2. What type of rice is best for hibachi fried rice?

Jasmine rice is the best choice because of its slightly sticky texture and fragrant aroma. However, you can also use basmati rice or long-grain white rice. Always use day-old rice for the best results.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen peas, carrots, and even mixed stir-fry vegetables work well. Just thaw them before cooking and drain any excess moisture to prevent sogginess.

4. How do I store leftovers?

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: The rice and chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely before freezing.
• Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of soy sauce or water. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the rice.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and make sure your oyster sauce (if using) is gluten-free.

6. Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a dash of chili oil to the chicken, rice, or yum yum sauce for a spicy kick.

7. What’s the difference between hibachi and teriyaki chicken?

• Hibachi Chicken is cooked with soy sauce, garlic, butter, and sesame oil, giving it a light and savory taste.
• Teriyaki Chicken is glazed with a sweet and thick teriyaki sauce, which contains soy sauce, sugar, and mirin.

8. Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes! You can:

• Cook the rice in advance and store it in the fridge.
• Marinate the chicken a few hours before cooking for extra flavor.
• Chop the vegetables ahead of time to speed up the cooking process.

9. Is hibachi fried rice the same as Chinese fried rice?

Not quite! Hibachi fried rice is simpler, using butter, soy sauce, and garlic, while Chinese fried rice often includes additional seasonings like oyster sauce and hoisin sauce.

10. What can I serve with hibachi chicken & rice?

Some great side options include:

Pickled ginger or wasabi for an extra kick

Miso soup or clear onion soup

Steamed dumplings or spring rolls

A simple green salad with ginger dressing

Conclusion

Making Hibachi Chicken & Rice at home is easier than you might think! With simple ingredients, a hot skillet, and a few expert tips, you can enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen. Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it with your favorite proteins and veggies, this dish is versatile, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

So, the next time you’re craving hibachi, skip the restaurant and make it yourself—you won’t be disappointed!

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