Irresistible Chicken Onigiri: Easy Japanese Rice Balls

Delicious Chicken Onigiri: A Simple Japanese Delight

Ingredients:

For the Rice:

• White rice, cooled (as needed)
• Sesame oil (as needed)
• Salt or flavor enhancer (I used Maggi)
• 2 sheets of nori, torn into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon shredded chicken

For the Filling:

• 1 boneless chicken breast
• 1 garlic clove (optional, I used one and a half)
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper (optional)
• A pinch of salt or flavor enhancer
• Sweet soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for sautéing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Place the cooked and cooled rice in a large bowl to allow it to cool faster.

2. Cook the Chicken:
   Boil the chicken breast for about 15 minutes. Add a little seasoning to the boiling water. Before boiling, rub the chicken with a few drops of white vinegar and a pinch of table salt. (I usually do this the night before and make the onigiri in the morning.)

3. Shred the Chicken:
   Once the chicken is cooked, shred it finely. Set aside half for mixing with the rice.

4. Prepare the Filling:
   Crush the garlic and pepper together, then sauté them over low heat with the sesame oil. Add the shredded chicken, stirring briefly. Add sweet soy sauce and salt, then a bit of water. Cook until the mixture reduces and thickens.

5. Mix the Rice:
   While the filling cooks, combine the torn nori pieces, salt, and sesame oil with the rice. Add the shredded chicken reserved for the rice and mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

6. Form the Onigiri:
   Remove the filling from heat. Wet your hands to prevent the rice from sticking, and shape the rice into balls or triangles. Create a small indentation in the center and fill with the cooked chicken mixture, then close the rice around the filling.

7. Plating:
   Place the formed onigiri on a separate plate and arrange them nicely.

8. Enjoy:
   Your simple yet delicious chicken onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are now ready to be enjoyed. They’re truly delicious and worth the effort! 😆😍

Notes:

This recipe offers a delightful twist to traditional onigiri by incorporating a savory chicken filling that blends perfectly with the seasoned rice. The use of sesame oil and nori adds a depth of flavor, while the sweet soy sauce gives the chicken a rich, caramelized finish. Whether you’re making these for a quick snack, a lunchbox treat, or a picnic, they are sure to impress with their taste and simplicity.

Enjoy this Japanese delicacy that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Bon appétit!