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Dorothy Thomas

Chicken Onigiri Recipe

A delicious and portable Japanese snack, Chicken Onigiri features tender seasoned chicken wrapped in lightly salted sushi rice, shaped into triangles or balls, and often wrapped with nori (seaweed). Perfect for lunchboxes or quick meals!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the Rice:
  • 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice (sushi rice)
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Rice vinegar (optional)
For the Chicken Filling:
  • 1 cup Cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Mirin (or 1/2 tbsp sugar + 1/2 tbsp water)
  • 1 tsp Sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp Ginger, grated
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Green onions, chopped
For Assembly:
  • 2 sheets Nori (seaweed), cut into strips
  • 1 tsp Sesame seeds (optional)
  • Water or salt For shaping (optional)

Equipment

  • Rice cooker or pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Frying pan
  • Plastic wrap or onigiri mold (optional)

Method
 

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Cook the rice in a rice cooker or pot with water according to package instructions.
  3. Once cooked, let it sit for 5 minutes, then gently fluff with a fork. Mix in salt and rice vinegar (if using).
  4. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
  5. Add shredded chicken, soy sauce, and mirin. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until well-coated.
  6. Mix in green onions, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  7. Wet your hands lightly with water (or salt water to prevent sticking).
  8. Take a handful of rice (~1/3 cup) and flatten it in your palm.
  9. Place 1-2 tbsp of chicken filling in the center, then cup the rice around it, shaping into a triangle or ball.
  10. Wrap with a strip of nori (optional) or sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  11. Enjoy immediately or wrap in plastic wrap for later. Best eaten within a day for optimal texture.

Notes

  • Substitutions: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or teriyaki chicken for extra flavor.
  • Veggie Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
  • Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 24 hours (nori may soften; add just before eating).
  • Tip: Use plastic wrap or an onigiri mold for easier shaping.