Chicken Sushi Cups are cute little bites of joy! Made with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and wrapped in crispy wonton shells, they’re perfect for a fun meal or snack.
These cups are so easy to make, even I can handle them! Just layer the ingredients in the shells, and you’ll have a tasty treat that everyone will love. Plus, they’re a hit at parties! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Nori: Nori sheets are a must for the cups. If you can’t find them, try using lettuce leaves as a fresh substitute. They won’t have the same flavor but will still be delicious.
Sushi Rice: Short-grain rice gives the best texture for sushi. If you don’t have sushi rice, jasmine or sticky rice can work as alternatives, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this dish so quick! You can also use leftover cooked chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Cucumber and Carrot: Feel free to switch these out for any crunchy veggies you like, such as bell peppers or radishes. They add awesome texture and color!
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential, but you can use tamari for a gluten-free option. Teriyaki sauce can be swapped out for any sweetened sauce, like honey or agave syrup.
What’s the Best Way to Shape the Nori Cups?
Shaping the nori cups requires a bit of guidance to ensure they hold your delicious filling. Here’s how to get it right:
- First, cut the nori sheets into quarters or desired sizes. This allows you to create smaller or larger cups based on your preference.
- Using clean hands, take a small handful of sushi rice and press it into the center of the nori. Make sure to cover the bottom and mold it slightly up the edges—for extra stability!
- If using bowls, place the nori sheets inside the cups and push down gently to create the shape.
- Remember, too much rice can make it hard to eat, so balance is key!
Practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with shapes and sizes!
How to Make Chicken Sushi Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice (short-grain rice)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
For the Sauces:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for drizzling and dipping)
- 1 tablespoon teriyaki or hoisin sauce (optional for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, mixed into sushi rice)
Extras:
- Wasabi or pickled ginger (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and assemble. Enjoy the process while you whip up these tasty Chicken Sushi Cups!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sushi Rice:
Start by cooking the sushi rice according to package instructions. Once it’s ready, while still warm, gently stir in 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar for that sushi flavor. Allow the rice to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Shape the Nori Cups:
If you want smaller cups, cut each nori sheet into quarters. Take a bit of sushi rice and spoon it onto the nori. Using clean hands or a small bowl, press the rice down firmly to form a cup shape—make sure it covers the bottom and edges slightly.
3. Add the Veggies:
Layer thin slices of cucumber and some julienned carrot inside each nori cup on top of the rice. This adds a wonderful crunch and freshness!
4. Top with Chicken:
Add a generous amount of shredded cooked chicken on top of the veggies in each cup. You can’t have sushi cups without that tasty protein!
5. Drizzle with Sauce:
Take your soy sauce and drizzle a bit over each sushi cup. If you like it sweet, add some teriyaki or hoisin sauce as well!
6. Garnish:
Finish off by sprinkling the sliced green onions over the top as a garnish. They add flavor and a pretty touch!
7. Serve with Extras:
Optionally, serve with some wasabi and pickled ginger on the side, along with extra soy sauce for dipping!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Chicken Sushi Cups immediately for the best flavor and texture. These little bites are perfect for parties, snacks, or a fun meal!
Happy eating! 🥢
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken from previous meals works perfectly. Just make sure it’s shredded and ready to go for easy assembly.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Sushi Cups?
Store any leftover cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. Keep the filling separate from the nori, if possible, to prevent the nori from becoming soggy. Reassemble before serving!
Can I Make Sushi Rice in Advance?
Yes! You can make sushi rice a few hours ahead of time. Just let it cool completely, then cover it with a damp cloth to help keep it fresh. Avoid refrigerating it, as that can alter the texture.
What Variations Can I Try for the Veggies?
Feel free to customize! You can use bell peppers, avocados, or even shredded lettuce in place of the cucumber and carrot. Just make sure to keep the veggies crunchy for the best texture!