Chicken Onigiri

I’ve always loved exploring flavors that are both comforting and exciting at the same time, and that’s exactly why I created this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Sushi. From the moment I first tried Japanese onigiri, I was fascinated by the simplicity and elegance of rice shaped by hand, wrapped in nori, and filled with savory delights. Bringing a homemade teriyaki chicken version into my kitchen felt like the perfect way to blend traditional Japanese flavors with my personal touch.

This recipe is one you’ll love because it combines sweet, savory, and umami notes into each bite. The tender chicken glazed in a homemade teriyaki sauce pairs beautifully with perfectly seasoned rice. It’s incredibly satisfying yet light, making it perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or even a party snack.

One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. You can shape the onigiri into classic triangles, rounds, or even fun bite-sized shapes for kids. It’s also easy to customize by adding sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or even a touch of mayonnaise inside for extra creaminess. Whether you want a simple, traditional version or a playful twist, this recipe allows room for creativity.

It’s also affordable. The ingredients are simple, easy to find, and budget-friendly: high-quality rice, chicken breast or thigh, soy sauce, honey or sugar, sesame oil, and nori sheets. You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets or hard-to-find items, making it perfect for anyone who wants a taste of Japan without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Easy Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Sushi:

• 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice

• 2 1/2 cups water

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 chicken thighs, diced

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 sheet nori, cut into strips

• Optional: sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or mayonnaise for garnish

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hands-on, satisfying cooking experience with delicious results. It’s fun, rewarding, and guarantees a meal that’s both visually appealing and full of flavor.

How to Prepare Easy Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Sushi

Making Easy Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Sushi is simpler than it looks, and the process is truly enjoyable. With just a few steps, you can create flavorful rice balls that are perfect for any meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Rinse the Rice: Start by rinsing the Japanese short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures the rice will be sticky but not mushy. Drain well.

2. Cook the Rice: Combine the rinsed rice with 2 1/2 cups of water in a rice cooker or a medium pot. Cook according to your rice cooker’s instructions or bring the water to a boil on the stove, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Let the rice sit covered for 10 minutes after cooking.

3. Season the Rice: While the rice is cooking, mix 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked rice while it is still warm. This gives the rice its classic slightly sweet and tangy flavor.

4. Prepare the Teriyaki Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced chicken thighs and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons soy sauce and 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup). Pour over the chicken, stirring frequently, and cook until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken evenly, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

6. Shape the Onigiri: Wet your hands with water and lightly sprinkle them with a pinch of salt to prevent sticking. Take a small portion of rice and flatten it in your palm. Place a spoonful of teriyaki chicken in the center, then fold the rice around the filling, shaping it into a triangle or oval. Press gently but firmly to ensure it holds together.

7. Wrap with Nori: Wrap a strip of nori around the onigiri. The nori can be placed along the bottom for easy handling or completely around the rice ball. Sprinkle optional sesame seeds or garnish with chopped scallions for extra flavor and presentation.

8. Serve or Store: Serve the onigiri immediately while fresh, or store them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. If storing, place a piece of plastic wrap between each onigiri to prevent sticking.

This recipe is quick and easy, taking less than 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s highly customizable: you can swap chicken for turkey bacon for a different flavor, add vegetables like finely chopped carrots or cucumber, or even mix in a bit of mayonnaise for creaminess.

It’s popular with many people because it’s not only tasty but also fun to eat. Kids love the hand-held style, and adults appreciate the balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether for a packed lunch, picnic, or casual dinner, this teriyaki chicken onigiri sushi is a guaranteed hit.

Chicken Onigiri

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Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors with this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Sushi. Soft, seasoned rice encases tender teriyaki chicken, all wrapped in crisp nori. This recipe is quick, versatile, and ideal for lunches, picnics, or casual dinners.

• Author: Lura Skye
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 25
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 chicken thighs, diced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 sheet nori, cut into strips
• Optional: sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or mayonnaise for garnish

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Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. Cook the rice with 2 1/2 cups water in a rice cooker or pot. After cooking, let it sit covered for 10 minutes.
3. Season the rice by mixing rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Fold gently into warm rice.
4. Prepare the chicken: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add diced chicken and cook until golden.
5. Add teriyaki sauce: Mix soy sauce and honey, pour over chicken, and cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
6. Shape the onigiri: Wet hands with water, sprinkle with salt. Flatten rice, place chicken in center, fold rice around to form triangle or oval, press gently.
7. Wrap with nori: Place a strip of nori around each rice ball. Add optional sesame seeds or chopped scallions for garnish.
8. Serve or store: Eat immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, using plastic wrap between each onigiri to prevent sticking.

Notes

Adjust sweetness of teriyaki sauce to taste.

For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu, mushrooms, or seasoned vegetables.

Wetting hands with water and salt is crucial to prevent sticking while shaping.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well, though thighs are juicier and more flavorful. If using breast, be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out.

2. Can I make onigiri ahead of time?
You can prepare onigiri a few hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container with plastic wrap between each rice ball. For best texture, eat within 24 hours.

3. How do I prevent the rice from sticking to my hands?
Wet your hands with water and lightly sprinkle a pinch of salt on them before shaping the onigiri. This keeps the rice from sticking and adds subtle seasoning.

4. Can I freeze onigiri?
Yes, onigiri can be frozen. Wrap each individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator and warm slightly before serving.

5. Are there vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?
You can substitute teriyaki chicken with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or seasoned vegetables for a vegetarian version. The teriyaki sauce works well with all these options.

6. What is the best nori to use?
Use dry, roasted nori sheets for the best texture and flavor. Avoid moist or pre-seasoned nori that may become soggy when wrapped around rice.

7. Can I adjust the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce?
Absolutely. Adjust honey or maple syrup to taste. For a less sweet version, reduce the amount slightly or balance with a bit more soy sauce.