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Chicken Onigiri

Savory Chicken Onigiri: Your New Favorite Snack Adventure

Discover the joy of Chicken Onigiri, the perfect blend of tender chicken and sticky rice that makes a delightful snack or appetizer.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 onigiri
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Rice
  • 2 cups Cooked Sushi Rice Substitution: Use short-grain rice if sushi rice is unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Use fine salt for better distribution.
  • 2 tablespoons Furikake (optional) Can skip or replace with sesame seeds.
For the Chicken Filling
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Substitution: Can use chicken thighs or ground chicken.
  • 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce Use low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter option.
  • 2 tablespoons Sake (or Water) For non-alcoholic, use water or rice vinegar.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons Mirin Substitution: Can use honey or agave syrup for sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Use white sugar or coconut sugar if preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon Oil Substitution: Can use sesame oil for a nutty flavor.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic
For Wrapping
  • 4 sheets Nori Sheets None suggested.

Equipment

  • Rice Cooker
  • frying pan
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Onigiri
  1. Prepare sushi rice by cooking it according to package instructions, typically using a rice cooker. Mix in salt and optional furikake, then let it cool slightly.
  2. Cut the boneless skinless chicken into bite-sized pieces. Combine it with soy sauce, sake, baking soda, and cornstarch, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Whisk soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar to create teriyaki sauce. Set aside.
  4. Heat oil in a pan, stir-fry marinated chicken for 2-3 minutes until golden. Add minced garlic and continue until fragrant. Pour in teriyaki sauce and cook until thickened.
  5. Shape sushi rice into triangles with pockets for chicken filling. Enclose carefully.
  6. Wrap nori strips around each onigiri, securing lightly to enhance flavor and presentation.

Nutrition

Serving: 1onigiriCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 14gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gIron: 5mg

Notes

These Chicken Onigiri are versatile and can be customized with various fillings. Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months.

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