If you love the bold, savory flavor of hibachi chicken from Japanese steakhouses, this homemade marinade is a must-try. It uses everyday ingredients to create a rich, well-balanced taste with hints of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness.
This marinade works well with both chicken thighs and breasts. You can grill it, cook it in a pan, or use a flat top for that classic hibachi-style finish. Whether you’re preparing meals for the week or making dinner for guests, this easy recipe adds delicious flavor with very little effort.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon mirin (optional for extra depth)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 to 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, mirin (if using), lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Place the chicken into a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish, then place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a stronger flavor.
- When it’s time to cook, take the chicken out of the marinade and let the extra liquid drip off.
- Heat a grill, skillet, or flat top over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and browned.
- Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it with fried rice, steamed vegetables, or noodles.

Hibachi chicken marinade recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Bring the bold, savory flavors of your favorite Japanese steakhouse to your own kitchen. This easy hibachi chicken marinade is packed with soy, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness to make your chicken juicy and flavorful every time.
Ingredients
-
1/4 cup soy sauce
-
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
-
2 tablespoons sesame oil
-
1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
-
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tablespoon mirin (optional)
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice
-
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-
1 to 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Instructions
-
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, mirin, lemon juice, and black pepper.
-
Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour in the marinade.
-
Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
-
Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off.
-
Cook on a hot skillet or grill for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
-
Let rest before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Marinate
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired