Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Recipe

If you’re like me and love snacks packed with flavor yet simple to make, then you’re going to adore this Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Recipe. These Japanese rice balls filled with sweet and savory teriyaki chicken are not only addictive but also perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or when you just crave a comforting bite. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, and I’m excited to share all the tips and tricks so you can nail it in your kitchen, too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create the perfect balance of texture and taste. From the sticky sushi rice that holds everything together to the luscious teriyaki chicken filling, each piece is a little bundle of joy.

• Cooked Sushi Rice: Sushi rice is key for stickiness; it molds perfectly without falling apart.
• Fine Salt: Enhances overall flavor and seasons the rice gently.
• Furikake: This Japanese rice seasoning adds an extra kick — I sprinkle it on, but mixing in works well too.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Meat: I prefer drumsticks for juiciness, but breast works fine too.
• Soy Sauce: Present in both marinade and sauce, gives savory depth.
• Sake or Water: Tenderizes chicken when marinating.
• Baking Soda: A secret ingredient to make chicken extra tender — don’t skip!
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the marinade and gives chicken a great texture.
• Mirin: Adds a subtle sweetness and shine to teriyaki sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Furthers the sweet notes in the teriyaki glaze.
• Oil: For cooking chicken without sticking.
• Minced Garlic: Boosts flavor with a mild aromatic punch.
• Nori Sheet: Cut into small rectangles to wrap the onigiri for hold and that classic umami touch.

Variations

I love to switch things up based on what’s in my fridge or my mood. This Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Recipe is a fantastic blank canvas, so feel free to make it your own!

• Vegetarian Variation: I sometimes swap the chicken with seasoned shiitake mushrooms sautéed in soy and mirin — surprisingly tasty!
• Spicy Kick: Add a little Sriracha or chili flakes into the teriyaki sauce for a nice heat boost that my family really enjoys.
• Different Fillings: Tuna mayo or grilled salmon are classic alternatives if you want to branch out from chicken.
• Rice Mix-In: Occasionally, I stir in some sesame seeds and chopped scallions to the rice for extra texture and freshness.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Base

Start by cooking sushi rice according to package instructions — I usually rinse it well first to remove excess starch, which helps with the perfect sticky texture. Once cooked, mix in half a teaspoon of fine salt evenly through the rice. Experimentally, I sprinkled furikake on top after shaping before, but mixing it directly into the rice gives a more consistent flavor throughout.

Step 2: Marinade the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces, and toss with soy sauce, sake (or water), baking soda, and cornstarch. That baking soda trick is a gem – it tenderizes the meat like magic. Refrigerate this mixture for about 30 minutes; this step really makes the meat juicy and flavorful.

Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce and Cook Chicken

While the chicken marinates, mix soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar in a small bowl to prepare your teriyaki glaze. Heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat, then add marinated chicken and cook until it’s done—about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, turn heat down to medium, throw in minced garlic for a quick 30 seconds, and pour in your teriyaki sauce. Keep cooking until the sauce thickens to a lovely shiny glaze. It’s best not to rush this part — patience here yields that perfectly sticky coating.

Step 4: Shape the Onigiri

This is the fun part! Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then scoop about a third of a cup of rice into your palm. Make a small well in the center, add a tablespoon of the teriyaki chicken filling, then cover with another third of a cup of rice. Press gently but firmly into a neat triangle shape — imagine giving it a little hug so it holds together. Finally, wrap a small strip of nori around the bottom for that umami punch and easier handling.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the onigiri fresh for best texture. I love pairing them with some pickled ginger or a light miso soup on the side. Trust me, once you try this Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Recipe, it’s going to become a favorite go-to!

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a little more furikake on top for an extra layer of flavor. Sometimes, a light brush of soy sauce on the outside adds a lovely sheen and umami pop that my family raves about.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with these onigiri are simple — a bowl of miso soup, some pickled vegetables like cucumbers or radishes, and steamed edamame. These balance out the meal and keep it authentically Japanese.

Creative Ways to Present

When I made these onigiris for a casual party, I arranged them on a platter with colorful pickled veggies, and wrapped each with a cute piece of patterned wax paper. They become both a delicious and visual centerpiece that guests love to pick at while mingling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I found that leftover onigiri keeps best wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Rice can harden, so it’s best to enjoy soon after making for that soft, fresh texture.

Freezing

If I want to make ahead, I wrap individual onigiris tightly in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully, then I thaw them overnight in the fridge when ready to eat.

Reheating

To reheat, I unwrap the plastic and warm the onigiri in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until soft and warm. You can also steam them briefly — just be careful not to dry out the rice. I like to add the nori after reheating so it stays crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Recipe a try soon—it’s one of those recipes I come back to over and over for its balance of simplicity, flavor, and comfort. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of cozy family meals and fun snacks on the go. Honestly, it feels special yet easy enough for any day. So grab your rice, chicken, and that irresistible teriyaki glaze — I’m cheering you on from my kitchen to yours!

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