This Easy Hibachi Chicken is packed with tasty grilled chicken, colorful veggies, and fluffy fried rice, making it a fun meal for everyone! It’s like having a restaurant dish right in your kitchen.
Cooking this at home means I can pile on the veggies without anyone judging me. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy it with some soy sauce for extra flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this dish because they’re easy to cut and cook quickly. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, try turkey breast. For a vegetarian version, tofu or tempeh works great!
Rice: Day-old white rice is perfect since it’s drier and fries up nicely without becoming mushy. If you’re in a pinch, you can use fresh rice; just make sure it cools down first. Brown rice can be a wholesome substitute, but it may take longer to cook.
Mixed Vegetables: You can use any combination of vegetables you like! Fresh, frozen, or even leftover veggies can be used—just get creative. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas are great options if you’re looking for more color and nutrition.
Hibachi Sauce: For a lighter sauce, soy sauce can be replaced with tamari for a gluten-free option. If you want a bit of sweetness, you could add honey or maple syrup instead of sugar!
How Can You Get Your Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken to perfection can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it every time! Start by making sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken; this helps achieve a nice sear.
- Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; this can lead to steaming rather than browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s golden and no longer pink in the center.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking; this locks in the juices, keeping it tender and tasty!
What’s the Secret to Perfect Fried Rice?
Fried rice is all about texture and flavor. The key to great fried rice is using cold, leftover rice, as it won’t get mushy when frying. Here’s how to make it perfect:
- Scramble the eggs first, then add minced garlic and diced onions to create a strong flavor base.
- When adding the rice, make sure to break up any clumps to ensure even frying.
- Stir-fry quickly on high heat—this helps the rice get crispy.
- Season with soy sauce at the end to prevent the rice from getting soggy and ensure even flavor distribution. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed!
These tips should help you create a delicious and satisfying hibachi chicken meal at home! Enjoy cooking and feel free to add your favorite twists!
Easy Hibachi Chicken with Fried Rice and Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hibachi Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Fried Rice:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Hibachi Veggies:
- 1 cup zucchini, cut into half-moons or chunks
- 1 cup mushrooms, halved or quartered
- 1/2 cup onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
For the Hibachi Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons mirin or dry sherry (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook. It involves preparing the sauce, cooking the chicken, sautéing the veggies, and making the fried rice. Perfect for a family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Hibachi Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, butter, sesame oil, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, mirin (if using), and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts. Once fully mixed, remove from heat and keep warm for later use.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cooking the Vegetables:
Using the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the sliced onions, mushrooms, and zucchini. Season these with salt and pepper. Stir-fry the veggies for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp. After cooking, sprinkle with sesame seeds and remove from the skillet to set aside.
4. Making the Fried Rice:
Again in the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until just set. Next, add minced garlic and diced onions, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant. Add in the mixed veggies and stir well. Then, add your cold cooked rice, breaking apart any clumps as you do so. Stir-fry everything for 3-4 minutes, then mix in the soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste, removing from heat once well combined.
5. Assembling the Plate:
Now it’s time to put it all together! On a plate, arrange portions of fried rice, the cooked hibachi chicken, and the sautéed vegetables. Don’t forget to serve your warm hibachi dipping sauce on the side for drizzling or dipping—yum!
6. Serving:
Enjoy this delightful hibachi chicken meal immediately. You can even make it fun by using chopsticks or your favorite cutlery!
This Easy Hibachi Chicken dish is not only bursting with flavor but also visually appealing, making it a fantastic homemade alternative to dining out. Savor the combination of savory chicken, colorful veggies, and rich fried rice, all topped with a delicious hibachi sauce.
FAQ for Easy Hibachi Chicken with Fried Rice and Veggies
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables work great in this recipe and can save you prep time. Just thaw them before adding to the stir-fry, or toss them in while frozen, allowing a minute or two extra for cooking to ensure they’re heated through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Can I Substitute the Chicken for Another Protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for shrimp, steak, or tofu. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly—shrimp will cook quickly, while tofu may need a bit longer if you want it crispy.
What if I Don’t Have Day-Old Rice?
If you don’t have day-old rice, make fresh rice and let it cool before using it in the recipe. Lay it flat on a baking sheet for quicker cooling, avoiding too much moisture, which can lead to mushy fried rice.
These FAQs should help you navigate any common concerns while making your Easy Hibachi Chicken! Enjoy your cooking!