Chicken Sushi Cups are a fun twist on traditional sushi! They are made with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and delicious rice all packed into cute little cups.
Perfect for parties or a tasty snack, everyone loves these tasty bites—even those who think they don’t like sushi! I love serving them with a side of soy sauce for dipping. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sushi Rice: Essential for that sticky texture. If you can’t find sushi rice, you can use short-grain white rice instead; just make sure it’s similar in texture.
Nori Sheets: The base of our cups. If you’re not a fan of nori, consider using lettuce leaves or rice paper as an alternative—both add a fresh crunch!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe for convenience. If you want a vegetarian option, tofu or a mix of beans can work instead.
Avocado: Adds creaminess. If you’re allergic or don’t have any, diced cucumber is a nice refreshing substitute.
Cilantro: This herb gives a fresh flavor. If cilantro isn’t your thing, parsley or green onion can be a nice switch!
How Do I Perfectly Cook Sushi Rice?
Cooking sushi rice properly is key to those delicious Chicken Sushi Cups. First, rinsing the rice is essential to remove excess starch, which helps achieve the perfect sticky texture.
- Once rinsed, add rice and water to a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and cover. This method traps steam for even cooking.
- Remember to let it rest covered after cooking; this step allows the rice to firm up.
- Mix in the vinegar, sugar, and salt gently to avoid breaking the rice grains. The goal is to combine flavors without losing that nice texture!
How to Make Chicken Sushi Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sushi Rice:
- 1 cup sushi rice (short-grain rice)
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Cups:
- 4 sheets nori seaweed (cut into quarters)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for topping and dipping)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
- Optional: 1 teaspoon mayonnaise or spicy mayo for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking and cooling. After that, you’ll spend another 10 minutes assembling the cups, making it about 55 minutes in total. Perfect for a fun cooking project!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sushi Rice:
First, rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch. Drain the rice well. Then, in a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 1 1/4 cups water. Bring it to a boil, cover, and then lower the heat to let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once done, turn off the heat and let it steam, still covered, for another 10 minutes.
2. Season the Rice:
While the rice is cooling, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until everything is dissolved. Once your rice has cooled to room temperature, gently fold this mixture into the rice, being careful to keep the grains intact.
3. Prepare the Nori Cups:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or small cup mold. Take one quarter of a nori sheet and press it into one of the mini muffin cups to form a cup shape. Repeat for all the nori sheets.
4. Assemble the Sushi Cups:
Now it’s time to fill your nori cups! Start with a spoonful of the prepared sushi rice, pressing gently to create a base. Top the rice with the shredded chicken, followed by the diced avocado, carrots, and chopped cilantro.
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
Drizzle a little soy sauce over each cup and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. If you like, add a small drizzle of mayonnaise or spicy mayo for extra flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Repeat the assembly process until all of your ingredients are used. Serve the Chicken Sushi Cups on a platter and offer extra soy sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy these tasty, bite-sized sushi cups as a delicious appetizer or light meal!
Can I Use Regular Rice Instead of Sushi Rice?
While sushi rice is best for its sticky texture, you can substitute with short-grain white rice in a pinch. Just ensure to rinse it well to remove excess starch for a better consistency!
How Long Do These Cups Last in the Fridge?
The Chicken Sushi Cups can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the nori may lose some crispness, so try to consume them fresh for the best texture!
Can I Replace Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use shredded rotisserie chicken, tofu, or even cooked shrimp as a flavorful alternative. Just ensure that whatever protein you choose is cooked and ready to use.
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Recipe?
Yes! You can easily make these sushi cups vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using fillings like sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or other veggies, combined with a protein such as tofu.