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Chicken Onigiri

Savory Chicken Onigiri That Will Change Your Snack Game

Experience a flavor explosion with Chicken Onigiri, a gluten-free savory treat perfect for lunches or snacks.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 onigiri
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Rice
  • 4 cups cooked sushi rice ensures the onigiri holds together with the right sticky texture.
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine salt enhances flavor in the rice.
  • 2 tablespoons furikake optional seasoning for added flavor.
For the Chicken
  • 0.5 pound boneless skinless chicken drumsticks recommended.
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce brings out umami flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon sake enhances flavor.
  • 0.25 teaspoon baking soda tenderizes the chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch helps create a glaze for the chicken.
  • 1 tablespoon mirin sweet rice wine for depth.
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar adds sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon oil for cooking chicken.
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic adds aromatic flavor.
For Assembly
  • 1 sheet nori cut into small rectangles.

Equipment

  • rice cooker
  • Nonstick Pan
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the sushi rice in a rice cooker according to the manufacturer's instructions, adding about 15% more water than usual for perfect stickiness. Once cooked, transfer the rice to a bowl, and sprinkle in fine salt and furikake. Gently fold together until combined.
  2. Dice chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sake, baking soda, and cornstarch. Add chicken to the marinade, coating well, and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar. Set this mixture aside.
  4. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  5. Reduce heat and add minced garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds. Pour in teriyaki sauce over chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Wet your hands to prevent sticking. Take about ⅓ cup of rice and press into your palm, creating a well in the center. Spoon in 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture, then cover it with another ⅓ cup of rice. Mold the rice into a triangular shape.
  7. Wrap each onigiri with a piece of nori. Let the shaped onigiri rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1onigiriCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 20gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 5mg

Notes

For best results, use short-grain sushi rice and allow the chicken to marinate thoroughly. Keep hands wet while shaping the onigiri to prevent sticking.

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