Chicken Rice Balls

Why Make This Recipe

Chicken Rice Ball, also known as onigiri, is a delightful and versatile dish. It’s simple to make and perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. These rice balls are great for meal prep and can be packed for picnics or lunchboxes. Plus, they are highly customizable with different fillings. Making Chicken Rice Balls allows you to enjoy all the flavors of delicious chicken in easy-to-handle shapes.

How to Make Chicken Rice Ball

Ingredients:

• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 cups sushi rice
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

Directions:

1. Cook the chicken: Boil chicken breasts in water for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Season with salt or herbs if desired.
2. Shred the chicken: Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred it using two forks and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: Combine soy sauce and sugar in a bowl until dissolved. Toss the shredded chicken in the sauce.
4. Cook the rice: Rinse sushi rice under cold water until clear, then cook according to package instructions (about 20 minutes). Stir in rice vinegar after cooking.
5. Form onigiri: With wet hands, take a handful of warm rice, flatten it in your palm, add some chicken mixture in the center, and shape into triangles or balls.
6. Serve: Enjoy immediately or wrap in plastic wrap for later.

How to Serve Chicken Rice Ball

You can serve Chicken Rice Balls as a nutritious snack or a full meal. They can be enjoyed alone or with a side of dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or a spicy mayonnaise. They are best served warm, but they can also be chilled and enjoyed cold. Pair them with a simple salad or some pickles for a balanced meal.

How to Store Chicken Rice Ball

To store Chicken Rice Balls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm them in the microwave or on a skillet.

Tips to Make Chicken Rice Ball

• Use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
• Make sure to properly rinse the sushi rice to remove excess starch for a better texture.
• Wet your hands before shaping the rice balls. This helps prevent the rice from sticking to your hands.
• Experiment with different fillings, like pickled vegetables, tuna, or avocado, for variety.

Variation

You can easily adjust the Chicken Rice Ball recipe to suit your tastes. Try adding different herbs or spices to the chicken for extra flavor. You can also use brown rice instead of sushi rice for a healthier option.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftovers for this recipe?
Yes, leftover chicken works great! Just shred it and mix with the sauce as directed.

2. What if I don’t have sushi rice?
You can use any short-grain rice instead. Just make sure to cook it according to the instructions for that type of rice.

3. Can I make Chicken Rice Balls vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or a mix of vegetables, and use a soy sauce without sugar for a plant-based version.

Chicken Rice Ball (Onigiri)

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A versatile and delightful chicken rice ball dish, perfect for lunch, dinner, or snacks. Easy to make and customize with various fillings.

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 cups sushi rice
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

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Instructions

1. Cook the chicken: Boil chicken breasts in water for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Season with salt or herbs if desired.
2. Shred the chicken: Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred it using two forks and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: Combine soy sauce and sugar in a bowl until dissolved. Toss the shredded chicken in the sauce.
4. Cook the rice: Rinse sushi rice under cold water until clear, then cook according to package instructions (about 20 minutes). Stir in rice vinegar after cooking.
5. Form onigiri: With wet hands, take a handful of warm rice, flatten it in your palm, add some chicken mixture in the center, and shape into triangles or balls.
6. Serve: Enjoy immediately or wrap in plastic wrap for later.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken. Rinse sushi rice properly to remove excess starch for better texture. Wet your hands before shaping the rice balls to prevent sticking.

• Author: nevaeh-hall
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Japanese
• Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 rice ball
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 17g
• Cholesterol: 60mg