Why Make This Recipe

Chicken Rice Balls are a delicious and fun way to enjoy chicken and rice in one bite-sized package. Perfect for lunch or a snack, these rice balls are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite fillings. They make a great addition to bento boxes or picnics, and kids love them too!

How to Make Chicken Rice Ball

Ingredients:

4 cups cooked sushi rice
1/2 teaspoon salt (make sure it is fine salt so it can distribute better in the rice)
2 tablespoons furikake (optional)
1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken meat (I used drumsticks)
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)

Directions:

After cooking the sushi rice, mix it with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of furikake (I actually sprinkled the furikake on the onigiri after shaping them, but in hindsight, I think it’s better to add it directly to the rice).
Cut the chicken meat into small pieces. Transfer to a bowl with the rest of the marinade ingredients. Mix until combined, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce ingredients.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the sauce mixture and continue cooking until the sauce thickens into a glaze. Remove from the heat.
To wrap the onigiri, wet your hands with water, then scoop 1/3 cup of rice into your palm. Make a small well in the center and fill it with 1 tablespoon of filling. Scoop another 1/3 cup of rice to cover the filling, then use your hands to shape it into a triangle. Wrap with a strip of nori.

How to Serve Chicken Rice Ball

Serve the Chicken Rice Balls warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or paired with soy sauce for dipping. You can also serve them with pickled vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Chicken Rice Ball

Store any leftover Chicken Rice Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days. To enjoy them again, you can warm them in a microwave for a few seconds.

Tips to Make Chicken Rice Ball

Ensure your hands are wet when shaping the rice balls to prevent sticking.
You can experiment with different fillings such as vegetables or other proteins for variety.
If you like extra flavor, consider adding more furikake or seasoning to the rice.

Variation

You can make vegetarian rice balls by replacing the chicken with vegetables or tofu. Just follow the same steps for marinating and cooking the filling.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, leftover chicken works great. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the sauce before filling.

2. Is furikake necessary for the recipe?
No, furikake is optional. If you don’t have it, you can still enjoy the rice balls without it.

3. Can I freeze Chicken Rice Balls?
Yes, you can freeze them. Just wrap each rice ball tightly before placing them in a freezer bag. They can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight.

Chicken Rice Balls