This hibachi chicken dish is packed with juicy chicken pieces, colorful veggies, and tasty fried rice. It’s a fun and easy meal that brings the flavors of a Japanese steakhouse right to your kitchen!
I love how you can customize it with your favorite vegetables! Plus, cooking it all in one pan means less mess—perfect for a busy weeknight or impressing friends! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect because they cook quickly and evenly. If you prefer, you can substitute with thighs for more flavor, or use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Soy Sauce: This adds deep flavor to the chicken and rice. If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce works great. You could also use tamari for a gluten-free version.
Vegetable Oil: This is the base for cooking. Canola or peanut oil are good substitutes. I love using peanut oil for its nutty flavor, especially in Asian-inspired dishes!
Rice: Day-old rice is preferred because it’s drier and fries better. If you don’t have leftover rice, fresh rice cools quickly when spread out on a tray. Quinoa is an interesting alternative, too!
Mayo: This gives the sauce its creaminess. Greek yogurt can be swapped in for a healthier twist, or you can use a vegan mayo if you want a dairy-free option.
How Do I Ensure My Fried Rice Turns Out Great?
Fried rice is all about texture and flavor. Here are the steps for making perfect fried rice:
- Use day-old rice if possible. It’s drier and helps achieve that classic fried rice texture.
- Heat the oil in a hot pan before adding the eggs. This will give them a nice scramble without being too soggy.
- Stir-fry quickly to keep everything moving. This prevents sticking and helps everything heat evenly.
- Add the soy sauce gradually to control the saltiness. Taste as you go!
- Keep the ingredients moving to achieve a good mix and prevent burning.
How to Make Hibachi Chicken with Fried Rice and Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hibachi Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Green onions, sliced for garnish
For the Vegetables:
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow squash, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Optional: Sriracha or hot sauce to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to prepare this delicious meal. This includes about 15 minutes for marinating the chicken and another 15 minutes for cooking everything. You’ll have a tasty hibachi experience in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix together the chicken pieces, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Make sure the chicken is well coated. Let this sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb all those wonderful flavors.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or hibachi grill over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Fried Rice:
In the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of vegetable oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until they are fully cooked. Then, add in the day-old rice, breaking up any clumps as you stir. Next, add the mixed vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Continue to stir-fry everything for about 3-4 minutes until all is well mixed and heated through. Remove it from the heat and keep it warm.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced zucchini, yellow squash, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, water, sesame oil, and if you like some heat, add a little Sriracha or hot sauce. Mix it well.
6. Serve:
On a plate, arrange your hibachi chicken, fried rice, and sautéed vegetables. Serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your homemade Hibachi Chicken with Fried Rice and Vegetables!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and tenderness to your dish. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time if needed, cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative. Both will give you that savory taste without the gluten!
Can I Make Fried Rice with Freshly Cooked Rice?
While day-old rice is preferred because it’s drier and prevents clumping, you can use freshly cooked rice. Just spread the warm rice on a baking sheet to cool and dry out a bit before using it in the fried rice—this will help improve the texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out. Enjoy your leftover hibachi chicken and fried rice!
