This Hibachi Chicken & Rice Skillet Meal brings the bold, savory flavors of your favorite Japanese steakhouse right into your home kitchen. Juicy chicken thighs, perfectly seasoned rice, and tender onions come together in one skillet for an easy, satisfying dinner that’s ready in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in one skillet for a fuss-free meal.
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Savory & Satisfying: Soy sauce, garlic, and ginger create a deeply flavorful profile.
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Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes a generous batch ideal for leftovers.
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Customizable: Add vegetables or serve with Yum Yum sauce for variety.
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Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and accessible ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (2 lbs)
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1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
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1 teaspoon pepper
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon ground ginger powder
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3 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 onion, sliced
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1 teaspoon minced garlic
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3.5 cups chicken broth
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1.5 cups extra-long grain white rice
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1/4 cup Yum Yum sauce (optional)
Directions
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In a bowl, marinate the chicken thighs with soy sauce, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder for at least 15–20 minutes.
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Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sear the marinated chicken thighs for 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and sauté sliced onion for 2–3 minutes.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Add the rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes before pouring in the chicken broth.
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Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and bring to a boil.
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Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
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Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
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Drizzle with Yum Yum sauce if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
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Add Vegetables: Stir in diced carrots, peas, or zucchini during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
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Spicy Version: Add a dash of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
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Swap the Protein: Use diced steak, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken thighs.
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Use Brown Rice: Adjust cooking time and broth quantity if using brown rice.
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Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower rice and reduce broth accordingly.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through or heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Ensure you’re using extra-long grain white rice and simmer on low heat with the lid on. Do not stir excessively.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. Store in containers and reheat throughout the week.
What is Yum Yum sauce?
Yum Yum sauce is a creamy, slightly tangy condiment often served at hibachi restaurants. It’s optional but adds great flavor.
Can I cook this in a Dutch oven?
Yes, a Dutch oven works well for this one-skillet meal and retains heat evenly.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free soy sauce and verify all ingredient labels.
Can I add eggs like fried rice?
Yes, scramble a few eggs and stir them in toward the end of cooking for added protein and flavor.
What vegetables go best with this dish?
Peas, carrots, broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers all pair well with hibachi-style rice.
How spicy is this dish?
This version is not spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding sriracha, chili oil, or hot sauce.
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes, but reduce the broth significantly and adjust cook time, as you’ll only need to heat and mix the ingredients.
Conclusion
This Hibachi Chicken & Rice Skillet Meal is a flavorful, family-friendly dish that combines the comfort of home cooking with the excitement of hibachi-style flavors. Ready in under an hour and made with simple ingredients, it’s a versatile recipe that belongs in your weekly rotation. Serve with Yum Yum sauce and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without ever leaving your kitchen.
Print
Hibachi Chicken & Rice Skillet Meal
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4–6
Description
This Hibachi Chicken & Rice Skillet Meal brings restaurant-style flavor to your kitchen! Juicy chicken thighs, savory soy sauce, and perfectly seasoned rice all come together in one pan—ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
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6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (2 lbs)
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1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
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3 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 onion, sliced
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1 teaspoon minced garlic
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3.5 cups chicken broth
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1.5 cups extra-long grain white rice
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1/4 cup Yum Yum sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
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Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken thighs with soy sauce, pepper, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
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Sear Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and sear until browned on both sides and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and set aside.
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Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon oil. Sauté sliced onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
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Cook Rice: Stir in rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15–18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
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Combine: Slice or chop the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.
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Serve: Drizzle with Yum Yum sauce if using. Serve hot and enjoy
Notes
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You can substitute chicken breast if preferred.
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Add mixed veggies (like peas, carrots, or zucchini) for a full hibachi-style meal.
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Leftovers are great for next-day lunches and reheat well
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meal