Hibachi Chicken Bowls

If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying restaurant-style hibachi at home without the theatrical grill show, this Hibachi Chicken Bowl recipe is your golden ticket. Juicy sesame soy chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, buttery goodness, and that sweet, tangy Yum Yum Sauce—it’s like a flavor-packed vacation in a bowl.

This recipe brings all the flavors of your favorite hibachi dinner right into your kitchen. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of savory, umami, and buttery richness, with vegetables that are perfectly cooked—still bright, crisp, and bursting with freshness. Trust me, once you try it, takeout will feel optional.

Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner for the family, meal-prepping for the week, or treating yourself to a little homemade indulgence, these bowls hit all the right notes.

Recipe Origin

Hibachi-style cooking originated in Japan as a simple method for grilling over high heat. Today, hibachi restaurants in the U.S. have transformed it into a full experience—grilled proteins, vegetables, and fried rice served with signature sauces. This recipe captures the essence of hibachi cooking at home while keeping things easy, approachable, and customizable.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula or tongs
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Serving bowls

Why You’ll Love Hibachi Chicken Bowls

Versatile

Serve over fried rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a healthy twist. Great for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Quick and Easy

With pre-made Sesame Soy Chicken and a simple stir-fry method, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

Flavorful

Butter, sesame oil, and a touch of garlic powder bring that restaurant-quality umami right to your kitchen.

Customizable

Swap vegetables, adjust seasoning, or use a different sauce—the bowls are as flexible as your taste buds.

Crowd-Pleasing

Kids, adults, picky eaters—everyone will be asking for seconds.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Prep All Ingredients First: Hibachi cooking is fast, so have everything sliced and ready before you start.
• High Heat Cooking: For that signature seared flavor, cook veggies and chicken quickly over medium-high heat.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the veggies and chicken space to sear rather than steam.
• Finish with Sauce: Drizzle Yum Yum Sauce or your favorite dressing just before serving for maximum flavor.
• Adjust the Veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to customize your bowl.

Ingredients in Hibachi Chicken Bowls

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Sesame Soy Chicken: The star of the dish—tender, juicy, and packed with umami from soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness.

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel, perfect for coating vegetables and chicken alike.

Toasted Sesame Oil: Brings a nutty aroma that elevates the stir-fry and gives it that signature hibachi flavor.

Carrots: Thinly cut on a bias for even cooking and a subtle sweetness.

Zucchini: Sliced into half moons for a tender-crisp bite that balances the richness of the butter and chicken.

Mushrooms: Baby bella mushrooms add earthy depth and a juicy, meaty texture.

Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic kick without overpowering the dish.

Kosher Salt & Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors.

Fried Rice & Yum Yum Sauce (for serving): The perfect finishing touch—fried rice adds a hearty base, and the creamy, slightly tangy Yum Yum Sauce brings everything together.

Instructions

Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add unsalted butter and toasted sesame oil.

Cook the Vegetables: Add carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 5–7 minutes.

Add Sesame Soy Chicken: Slice or chop the cooked chicken and add it to the pan. Toss everything together to heat through and coat in buttery, nutty flavor.

Serve Over Fried Rice: Scoop store-bought fried rice into bowls as the base. Top with chicken and vegetables.

Drizzle with Yum Yum Sauce: Finish each bowl with a generous drizzle of Yum Yum Sauce for that signature hibachi flavor.

Optional Garnishes: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onions, or a little extra black pepper for presentation.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~450
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Hibachi Chicken Bowls

• With Extra Sauce: Serve Yum Yum Sauce on the side for dipping.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble bowls in advance and store in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners.
• Family Style: Serve everything buffet-style for customizable bowls.
• Add a Side Salad: Cucumber salad or seaweed salad pairs beautifully for freshness.
• Garnish Ideas: Sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a wedge of lime for a pop of color and flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep Ingredients: Slice vegetables and chicken ahead of time and store in airtight containers.
• Store Leftovers: Keep cooked bowls in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep vegetables crisp.
• Freeze Options: Freeze cooked chicken separately; stir-fry vegetables fresh when ready to serve.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Version: Add sriracha or chili flakes while stir-frying.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh.
• Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of fried rice.
• Extra Veggies: Broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers all work beautifully.
• Different Sauce: Teriyaki or hoisin sauce can replace Yum Yum for variety.

Additional Tips

• Slice vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
• Use medium-high heat for quick searing and vibrant color.
• Toss frequently but gently to prevent vegetables from becoming mushy.
• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end—sometimes a little extra soy or butter makes all the difference.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this with leftover chicken?
A1: Yes! Just heat the cooked chicken with the vegetables—perfect for a quick meal.

Q2: Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A2: Absolutely. Cook slightly less time to prevent drying out.

Q3: What if I don’t have Yum Yum Sauce?
A3: Try a mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, a little sugar, garlic powder, and paprika as a quick substitute.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables?
A4: Yes! Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli are all excellent additions.

Q5: Can I make this dish vegan?
A5: Use tofu instead of chicken and a vegan butter substitute.

Q6: Can I serve over noodles instead of rice?
A6: Definitely—lo mein or rice noodles work beautifully.

Q7: How do I keep vegetables crisp?
A7: Cook on high heat for a short time and don’t overcrowd the pan.

Q8: Can I meal prep these bowls?
A8: Yes—assemble in containers and keep the sauce separate until serving.

Q9: Can I freeze the bowls?
A9: It’s best to freeze chicken and rice separately; vegetables are better fresh.

Q10: How do I make it extra flavorful?
A10: A splash of soy sauce or a pinch of toasted sesame seeds at the end elevates the flavor.

Conclusion

These Hibachi Chicken Bowls bring restaurant-quality flavor home with minimal effort. Juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, buttery sesame goodness, and that indulgent Yum Yum Sauce make every bite a little celebration. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests without the fuss.

Go ahead—fire up the skillet, stir-fry those veggies, and create your own hibachi experience right in your kitchen.

Print