Easy Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Sushi – A Delicious Japanese Snack

Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine. They are simple, portable, and endlessly versatile. While traditional onigiri may feature fillings like salted salmon or pickled plum, this recipe gives a delicious modern twist with teriyaki chicken.

The Easy Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Sushi combines tender, savory-sweet teriyaki chicken tucked inside sticky Japanese sushi rice, wrapped in crisp nori. Perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or as a snack on the go, these rice balls are both satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked sushi rice (warm, slightly sticky)
• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• ¼ cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 3 sheets nori (seaweed), cut into strips
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Small bowl of water + salt (for shaping rice)

Instructions

1. Cook Chicken
   In a skillet, heat teriyaki sauce and add shredded chicken. Cook until the chicken absorbs the sauce. Let cool slightly.
2. Prepare Rice
   Cook sushi rice and allow it to cool until warm (not hot).
3. Wet Hands
   Dip hands in water with a pinch of salt to prevent sticking.
4. Shape Onigiri
   Scoop a handful of rice, flatten slightly, and place 1–2 tbsp teriyaki chicken in the center.
5. Form Triangle
   Mold rice around the chicken filling into a triangle or round shape.
6. Wrap with Nori
   Wrap a strip of nori around the bottom. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
7. Serve
   Enjoy immediately or store in a bento box for later.

Why This Recipe Works

• Portable: Perfect for lunchboxes or snacks.
• Balanced Flavor: Sweet-savory teriyaki pairs beautifully with fluffy rice.
• Kid-Friendly: Easy to hold and fun to eat.

Variations

• Spicy Onigiri: Add sriracha or chili paste to teriyaki chicken.
• Cheese Twist: Place a small cube of mozzarella with the chicken before shaping.
• Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with teriyaki mushrooms or tofu.

Pro Tips

• Always keep hands damp when shaping rice to avoid sticking.
• Press gently but firmly to prevent onigiri from falling apart.
• Wrap in plastic if packing for later to keep the rice moist.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Sushi

Japanese rice balls filled with savory teriyaki chicken and wrapped in nori – a delicious, portable snack or lunchbox idea.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 onigiri

Course: Lunch, Snack

Cuisine: Japanese

Calories: 190

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked sushi rice warm and sticky
• 1.5 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
• 0.25 cup teriyaki sauce homemade or store-bought
• 3 sheets nori cut into strips
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds optional garnish

Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Rice paddle or spoon

Method

 

1. Heat teriyaki sauce in skillet and add shredded chicken. Cook until coated and absorbed. Cool slightly.
2. Cook sushi rice and let cool until warm, not hot.
3. Dip hands in water with salt to prevent sticking.
4. Scoop a handful of rice, flatten, and place teriyaki chicken in the center.
5. Shape into triangle or round onigiri by pressing firmly.
6. Wrap with nori strip and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
7. Serve immediately or store wrapped for later.

Notes

Keep hands wet to avoid sticky rice. Wrap tightly if packing for later.

Conclusion

The Easy Teriyaki Chicken Onigiri Sushi is a fun and tasty way to enjoy Japanese comfort food at home. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a bento snack, or something unique for a party, these onigiri are sure to impress.