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Chicken Onigiri

Savor Homemade Chicken Onigiri for Your Next Snack Adventure

This Chicken Onigiri recipe is a delightful Japanese snack perfect for any gathering or lunchbox.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 rice balls
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Rice
  • 1 cup Sushi Rice Use a little more water than usual for cooking.
  • 1 teaspoon Fine Salt Use fine salt for better distribution.
  • 1 tablespoon Furikake Optional, can be omitted based on preference.
For the Chicken Filling
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Meat (drumsticks) Can substitute with chicken thighs or ground chicken.
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Use low-sodium for a healthier option.
  • 1 tablespoon Sake Water can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 pinch Baking Soda Essential for marinade.
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Necessary for achieving the right consistency in the teriyaki filling.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Use light or dark depending on preference.
  • 1 tablespoon Mirin Important for authentic flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Oil Any neutral oil works (e.g., vegetable, canola).
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh minced for best results.
For Assembly
  • 1 sheet Nori Cut into strips or rectangles for wrapping onigiri.

Equipment

  • Rice cooker
  • Nonstick pan
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Begin by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain. Cook the rice with 1.5 cups of water in a rice cooker or saucepan over medium heat.
  2. While the rice is cooling, cut the boneless skinless chicken into small pieces. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sake, and baking soda. Add chicken pieces and toss well to coat.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and cornstarch to create the teriyaki sauce.
  4. Heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
  5. Lower the heat and add minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds, then stir in the prepared teriyaki sauce and cook until it thickens.
  6. To form the Chicken Onigiri, wet your hands and scoop about ⅓ cup of the prepared sushi rice into your palm. Create a well, place a tablespoon of chicken filling, and cover with more rice. Press gently to shape into a triangle.
  7. Cut nori sheets into strips or squares and wrap around the base of each rice triangle.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rice ballCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store any leftover Chicken Onigiri in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave to restore softness.

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