Craving that delicious, smoky flavor of hibachi chicken but don't want to brave the crowds or the bill at your favorite restaurant? Then you're in the right place! This easy hibachi chicken marinade recipe will transport your taste buds straight to a hibachi grill, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights – a true champion among quick dinner ideas. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1-2 red chili flakes (for extra heat)
Instructions:
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Combine the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, cornstarch, and black pepper. If you like a little kick, add the chili flakes now.
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Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss gently to ensure they're fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 2-4 hours for maximum flavor. The longer it marinates, the more delicious your chicken will be!
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Cook the Chicken: You can cook the chicken in several ways:
- Hibachi Grill (if you have one!): Grill the chicken over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
- Skillet: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).
- Broiler: Arrange the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and broil for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
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Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, serve it immediately with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles.
Tips for the Best Hibachi Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking in a skillet or on a grill, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice sear.
- Use a meat thermometer: The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet marinade, reduce the amount of brown sugar. Conversely, for a sweeter flavor, add a little more.
- Get creative with vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables to the skillet or grill along with the chicken for a complete and healthy meal. Bell peppers, onions, and broccoli are all excellent choices.
Variations:
- Teriyaki Hibachi Chicken: Substitute the mirin with an equal amount of teriyaki sauce for a bolder, sweeter flavor.
- Spicy Hibachi Chicken: Increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.
- Garlic Lover's Hibachi Chicken: Add an extra clove or two of garlic to the marinade for a more intense garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 5-8 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10 grams
This homemade hibachi chicken is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Enjoy the amazing flavors and the ease of this simple recipe! It's a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. You'll be making this one again and again!