This Easy Hibachi Chicken is packed with tender chicken pieces, colorful veggies, and fluffy fried rice. It brings restaurant vibes right to your kitchen!
Making this dish feels like a fun cooking show! I love how quickly everything comes together—perfect for busy nights when you want tasty food without the fuss. 🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe, but you can use thighs instead if you prefer dark meat. They’re usually juicier! For a vegetarian option, try using tofu or tempeh.
Rice: Day-old rice works best because it’s firmer and less sticky, making it easier to fry. If you don’t have day-old rice, you can cook fresh rice and spread it out to cool. Brown rice or cauliflower rice can also be good alternatives.
Vegetables: Zucchini and mushrooms add a lot of flavor, but feel free to swap in your favorites such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Fresh or frozen veggies will work well!
Eggs: I use eggs for adding protein and richness. If you want to go egg-free, consider using scrambled tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water as a binder.
Sesame Seeds: While they add a nice crunch and nutty flavor, you can skip them if you don’t have any. Chopped green onions or crushed peanuts work as tasty substitutes.
How Do I Cook Chicken So It’s Perfectly Tender?
Getting perfectly tender chicken is key in this dish! Here’s my go-to method:
- Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Season with salt and pepper right before cooking to keep the chicken juicy.
- Heat your oil in the skillet until it’s hot but not smoking; this helps to get that nice brown color without drying it out.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Avoid crowding the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than searing.
By following these tips, you’ll get delicious, juicy chicken that really elevates your hibachi dish! Good luck, and enjoy cooking! 🍽️
Easy Hibachi Chicken with Fried Rice and Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup mushrooms, quartered
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1/2 cup hibachi-style dipping sauce or creamy ginger sauce (see note)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes for preparation and roughly 15-20 minutes for cooking, making it a quick and delightful meal option! You’ll be enjoying your homemade hibachi feast in about 30 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. This adds flavor and prepares them for cooking.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the chopped onions, zucchini, and mushrooms. Stir frequently for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
4. Fry the Rice:
Now, push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pan. On the empty side, pour the beaten eggs and scramble them until just set. Once the eggs are cooked, mix them with the veggies. Next, add the day-old rice, frozen peas, diced carrots, and soy sauce to the pan. Stir everything together and fry for about 3-4 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and quickly stir to mix everything together, warming it through. Once combined, arrange the delicious hibachi chicken, fried rice, and sautéed veggies on plates.
6. Garnish and Sauce:
For a lovely touch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of your dish. Serve with a small bowl of your hibachi dipping sauce or creamy ginger sauce on the side for an extra flavor boost!
Enjoy your homemade hibachi-style feast with tender chicken, fragrant fried rice, and warm sautéed veggies! It’s a quick meal that brings the taste of hibachi right to your kitchen! 🥢
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to completely thaw it beforehand to ensure even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for quicker thawing.
What Can I Substitute for the Vegetables?
Feel free to swap out the zucchini and mushrooms for any veggies you like! Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas are excellent options. Just make sure to cook them until they’re tender but still vibrant.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to sprinkle a little extra soy sauce or water to revive the moisture.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian or vegan, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and skip the eggs, or use scrambled chickpea flour mixed with water as an egg substitute. You can also increase the amount of vegetables to keep it hearty!
