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Chicken Onigiri

Savory Chicken Onigiri - Easy Snack for Busy Days

Chicken Onigiri is a quick and portable snack, filled with tender chicken and savory flavors, perfect for busy days.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marination Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 pieces
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Rice
  • 4 cups Cooked Sushi Rice Use short-grain rice for the best sticky texture.
  • ½ teaspoon Fine Salt Enhances flavor distribution; ensure it's fine to mix well.
  • 2 tablespoons Furikake Optional seasoning for extra taste.
For the Chicken Filling
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Meat Use thighs or ground chicken as alternatives for a tender filling.
  • 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce Offers umami flavor, essential for both marinade and teriyaki sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Sake Helps to tenderize chicken and adds flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Soda Critical for achieving a desirable chicken texture.
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Thickens the chicken during cooking.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Balances the saltiness of the teriyaki sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Mirin Adds depth and sweetness to the sauce.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Contributes fragrant aroma and boosts flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Oil For cooking; consider a lighter oil.
For Assembly
  • 4 sheets Nori Cut into small rectangles for wrapping.

Equipment

  • Nonstick pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • rice cooker

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Rinse sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions, typically by steaming for about 20 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool slightly. Fold in fine salt and furikake.
  2. Cut chicken into small pieces. In a bowl, combine with soy sauce, sake, baking soda, and cornstarch. Marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, mix teriyaki sauce ingredients: soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar. Stir until well combined.
  4. Heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Lower heat, add minced garlic, and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in teriyaki sauce and stir well to coat chicken. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.
  6. Wet hands, scoop about ⅓ cup rice into palm, creating a pocket. Place 1 tablespoon of filling into the pocket and mold rice into a triangle shape.
  7. Wrap a small rectangle of nori around the bottom of each triangle, applying gentle pressure to help it stick.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Enjoy warm or at room temperature, paired with soy sauce or pickled vegetables for dipping. Can be made in advance and stored in the fridge.

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