Go Back
+ servings
Chicken Onigiri

Savory Chicken Onigiri: Easy Japanese Rice Balls to Love

Discover how to make Chicken Onigiri, delicious Japanese rice balls filled with marinated chicken. Perfect for snacks or lunches!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 rice balls
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Rice
  • 1 cup Cooked Sushi Rice
  • ½ teaspoon Fine Salt
  • Furikake (optional) Sprinkle for added flavor
For the Chicken Filling
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Meat Can substitute with thighs or ground chicken
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (for marinade) Infuses rich umami flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Sake (or water) Enhances flavor
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Soda Tenderizes chicken
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Thickens marinade
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (for teriyaki sauce) Creates the sweet and savory glaze
  • 2 tablespoons Mirin Adds sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Balances flavors
  • 1 tablespoon Oil Non-stick for cooking
  • 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic Infuses garlic flavor
For Assembly
  • 1 sheet Nori Sheet Cut into rectangles for handling

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • Rice cooker
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear, then cook according to package instructions. Fluff rice and mix in salt and optional furikake. Allow to cool slightly.
    Chicken Onigiri
  2. Cut chicken into small pieces. Marinate with soy sauce, sake, baking soda, and cornstarch. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
    Chicken Onigiri
  3. Whisk together soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar to make teriyaki sauce. Set aside.
    Chicken Onigiri
  4. Heat oil in a frying pan, add chicken, cook for 2-3 minutes until browned. Add garlic, sauté for 30 seconds, then stir in teriyaki sauce until thickened.
    Chicken Onigiri
  5. Scoop rice into palm, create a well, fill with chicken, top with more rice and shape into a triangle. Wrap with nori.
    Chicken Onigiri
  6. Arrange on a plate, serve with teriyaki sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
    Chicken Onigiri

Nutrition

Serving: 1rice ballCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gCalcium: 1mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh. Dip in soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for enhanced flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!