Hibachi-style cooking has become synonymous with fun, flavorful meals cooked right in front of you, and one of the most beloved dishes in this genre is Blackstone Hibachi Chicken. Whether you’re a backyard grill enthusiast or a fan of Japanese steakhouse cuisine, this recipe brings together the smoky aroma of grilled chicken with the classic hibachi-style flair, all cooked on a versatile Blackstone griddle.
What is Blackstone Hibachi Chicken?
Blackstone Hibachi Chicken refers to chicken cooked on a Blackstone griddle using hibachi-style seasonings and cooking techniques. The Blackstone griddle, known for its large flat-top cooking surface, is perfect for grilling meats, vegetables, and fried rice all at once. The hibachi method, originating from traditional Japanese tabletop grills, emphasizes quick, high-heat cooking, often accompanied by savory sauces and simple yet impactful seasonings.
Combining these elements, Blackstone Hibachi Chicken is a delicious fusion that delivers juicy, tender chicken with the unmistakable charred flavor and accompanying hibachi-style vegetables and rice.
Origins and Cultural Background
Hibachi-style cooking comes from Japan, where “hibachi” refers to a traditional heating device or a small charcoal grill. In American Japanese cuisine, however, “hibachi” often refers to teppanyaki-style cooking — food prepared on a flat iron griddle.
The Blackstone griddle has surged in popularity among home cooks and professionals alike due to its large cooking surface, temperature control, and versatility, making it an ideal tool for recreating restaurant-quality hibachi meals at home.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Blackstone Hibachi Chicken
Here’s a typical list of ingredients you’ll need to make classic Blackstone Hibachi Chicken:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs are juicier)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine) or honey
- 2 tablespoons sake (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder or freshly grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Hibachi Sauce (Yakisoba Sauce or Teppanyaki Sauce):
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin or sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Optional: a pinch of chili flakes for heat
Vegetables (optional, but highly recommended):
- Sliced onions
- Zucchini or yellow squash slices
- Mushrooms
- Broccoli florets
- Carrot strips
- Bean sprouts
- Green onions for garnish
For Serving:
- Steamed white rice or fried rice (cooked on the Blackstone griddle if you like)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Step-by-Step Preparation and Cooking
1. Marinate the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger, salt, and pepper to make the marinade. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Preheat Your Blackstone Griddle
Heat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. The flat-top design is perfect for even cooking and quick searing.
3. Cook the Chicken
Add a little oil to the griddle and place the marinated chicken pieces on the surface. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and nicely charred. The chicken should be juicy on the inside with a crispy exterior.
4. Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the chicken once done, and toss your vegetables onto the griddle. Stir fry until they’re tender-crisp but still vibrant in color. Lightly season with salt, pepper, and a splash of soy sauce or hibachi sauce.
5. Prepare the Hibachi Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mirin or sugar, sesame oil, and chili flakes if desired. Drizzle this over the cooked chicken and vegetables on the griddle for an extra burst of flavor.
6. Serve
Plate the chicken and vegetables alongside steamed or fried rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and lemon wedges if you like a little citrus tang.
Tips for Perfect Blackstone Hibachi Chicken
- Use Chicken Thighs: They tend to be juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, especially for quick, high-heat cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Griddle: Give your ingredients space to sear properly rather than steam.
- Keep It Hot: Hibachi cooking relies on high heat for that signature sear and smokiness.
- Add Butter at the End: Many hibachi chefs add a pat of butter near the end for richness.
- Make Fried Rice on the Side: Using leftover rice, soy sauce, eggs, and veggies, fried rice pairs perfectly with your hibachi chicken.
Why Choose Blackstone for Hibachi Cooking?
Blackstone griddles provide a large, even cooking surface ideal for hibachi-style meals. Unlike traditional grills, the flat top allows you to cook multiple ingredients at once — chicken, veggies, and fried rice — all in one spot. The high heat retention ensures quick cooking with perfect caramelization, mimicking the teppanyaki experience.
Conclusion
Blackstone Hibachi Chicken brings the joy and flavor of Japanese teppanyaki-style cooking right to your backyard or kitchen. It’s a dish that combines juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken with crisp vegetables and a savory sauce, all cooked on the versatile Blackstone griddle. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving a fun, interactive meal, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying experience for everyone at the table.
So fire up your Blackstone, grab some fresh chicken, and get ready to enjoy one of the most mouthwatering hibachi-style dishes you can make at home!