Chicken Rice Ball

When I first encountered Chicken Rice Balls, I was captivated by their delightful blend of flavors and textures. These little morsels, also known as onigiri, start with perfectly cooked sushi rice and are filled with a savory chicken mixture. Whether you’re looking for a fun meal prep idea, a quick lunch, or a dish that’s perfect for grabbing on the go, this recipe will make your culinary heart sing. Imagine, a bite-sized bundle of joy that encapsulates the essence of home-cooked comfort and captures the vibrant spirit of Japanese cuisine.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

One of the standout features of Chicken Rice Balls is their versatility. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they’re also incredibly quick to make, making them ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous weekend picnics. Plus, they’re perfect for family-friendly gatherings—everyone loves that satisfying crunch wrapped in a layer of nori.

“I never knew rice balls could be so delicious! They were gone in minutes during our last family dinner. Thanks for this gem!” — Happy Cook

The fusion of tender marinated chicken with sushi rice creates a delightful harmony of flavors. You can also customize these rice balls with different fillings, making them an exciting dish you’ll want to revisit regularly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Preparing Chicken Rice Balls is a straightforward process that even a novice cook can master. First, cook your sushi rice until it’s perfectly sticky. Next, marinate your chicken with a delicious array of flavors and cook it to juicy perfection. Finally, shape your rice with the filling and wrap it in nori for that authentic onigiri experience.

1. Cook sushi rice: Start with 4 cups of cooked sushi rice.
2. Prepare chicken filling: Marinate and cook your chicken.
3. Assemble rice balls: Shape rice with your filling and wrap it in nori.

What You’ll Need

• 4 cups cooked sushi rice
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 2 tablespoons furikake (optional for added flavor)
• 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken meat (drumsticks work great)
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sake (or water)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 sheet nori (cut into small rectangles)

Ingredient Notes

If you can’t find mirin, you can replace it with an equal amount of honey diluted with water, though this will slightly change the flavor profile.

Preparation Steps

1. After cooking the sushi rice, mix it with 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt and, if using, 2 tablespoons of furikake. (For a deeper flavor, I recommend mixing it directly into the rice.)
2. Cut your chicken meat into small pieces. Combine it with soy sauce, sake, baking soda, and cornstarch in a bowl and mix well. Let it marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, prepare the teriyaki sauce by combining soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar.
4. Heat oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes or until fully cooked.
5. Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in the teriyaki sauce mixture and let it thicken slightly before removing it from heat.

Best Way to Serve

Chicken Rice Balls are delightful served as a snack or main dish. You can pair them with a simple salad, edamame, or a warm bowl of miso soup. For a more festive occasion, consider a side of pickled vegetables to balance out the flavors.

Storage Tips

To keep your Chicken Rice Balls fresh:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freeze: You can freeze them for up to a month. Just wrap each rice ball in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Reheat: For the best results, reheat in a microwave for a few seconds or on a nonstick skillet on low heat.

Expert Advice

• Moisture: Make sure your hands are moist when handling sushi rice to prevent sticking.
• Filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, like avocado or pickled veggies, for a twist on the classic.

Creative Twists

• Spicy Chicken Rice Balls: Add a bit of gochujang or sriracha to your chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
• Veggie Rice Balls: Swap out the chicken for a mix of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Herbed Rice: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to your rice for an extra layer of flavor.

Your Questions Answered

Q: How long does it take to prepare Chicken Rice Balls?
A: The total time, including marination, is about 1 to 1.5 hours, but active cooking time is around 30 minutes.

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of sushi rice?
A: While you can use brown rice, it won’t have the same sticky texture that is essential for shaping rice balls.

Q: Can these be made ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the rice and chicken filling in advance, just assemble the rice balls when you’re ready to serve.

Get ready to dive into a delicious adventure with Chicken Rice Balls! They’re not just a meal; they’re a delightful experience waiting to be savored.

Chicken Rice Balls

---

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful onigiri filled with savory marinated chicken and perfectly cooked sushi rice, ideal for meals on the go.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups cooked sushi rice
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 2 tablespoons furikake (optional)
• 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken meat
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sake (or water)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 sheet nori (cut into rectangles)

---

Instructions

1. Cook sushi rice according to package instructions until sticky.
2. Mix rice with fine salt and furikake, if using.
3. Cut chicken into small pieces and marinate with soy sauce, sake, baking soda, and cornstarch for 30 minutes.
4. In another bowl, prepare teriyaki sauce by mixing soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar.
5. Heat oil in a pan and cook marinated chicken for 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
6. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in teriyaki sauce mixture and thicken slightly.
7. Shape rice around chicken mixture and wrap in nori.

Notes

For added flavor, mix furikake directly into the rice before shaping. Experiment with different fillings like avocado or pickled vegetables.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 rice ball
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: rice balls, onigiri, Japanese food, meal prep, chicken recipe