Homemade Chicken Tempura Roll Recipe: Restaurant-Style at Home

A chicken sushi recipe is perfect for those who love sushi but prefer a fully cooked option. This crispy chicken sushi roll offers the crunch of tempura-battered chicken, the softness of sushi rice, and the umami-rich taste of nori. It’s an easy way to bring Japanese flavors into your kitchen without raw seafood.

With the right chicken tempura roll ingredients, you can recreate the same high-quality sushi rolls you get at a restaurant. Whether you’re a fan of spicy crunchy sushi roll, spicy chicken cucumber sushi, or the classic chicken crunchy roll, this recipe will guide you step by step to make the best sushi at home. Plus, it’s fun to make and customize with different toppings and sauces to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin making your homemade chicken sushi recipe, it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready. Fresh ingredients make a huge difference in taste and texture, ensuring a sushi roll that feels just as good as a restaurant-quality dish. Below is everything you will need to create the perfect crispy chicken sushi roll at home.

For the Tempura Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup ice-cold sparkling water
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Oil for deep frying

For the Sushi Rice

• 2 cups short-grain sushi rice
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Roll

• 5 sheets nori (seaweed sheets)
• 1 small cucumber, cut into thin strips
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced thin
• 1/2 cup spicy mayo (mayonnaise + sriracha)
• 2 tablespoons black and white sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• Soy sauce, for serving

Step 1: Cooking the Sushi Rice

Sushi rice is the foundation of any good sushi roll. Here’s how to make it perfect:

1. Rinse the Rice: Place the sushi rice in a bowl, cover with water, and stir. Drain and repeat this 3-4 times until the water is clear.
2. Cook the Rice: Add the rinsed rice and water to a rice cooker or pot. Cook according to the rice cooker instructions or bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Season the Rice: In a small saucepan, heat the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Pour over the cooked rice and mix gently with a wooden spoon.
4. Let it Cool: Spread the rice in a shallow dish and cover with a damp towel. Let it cool to room temperature before using.

Step 2: Making the Tempura Chicken

The crispy chicken in this chicken sushi recipe is what makes it special. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips, about the size of your finger.
2. Make the Tempura Batter: In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and ice-cold sparkling water.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the dry flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture.
4. Fry Until Golden: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken strips until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel.

Step 3: Assembling the Sushi Roll

Now that the chicken and rice are ready, it’s time to roll.

1. Prepare the Rolling Mat: Place a bamboo sushi mat on a clean surface and lay a sheet of nori on top, rough side up.
2. Spread the Rice: Wet your hands and spread a thin layer of sushi rice over 3/4 of the nori, leaving a small border at the top.
3. Add the Fillings: Arrange a few pieces of tempura chicken, cucumber, avocado, and a drizzle of spicy mayo in the center.
4. Roll it Up: Using the sushi mat, roll the nori tightly over the fillings. Apply gentle pressure to shape the roll.
5. Seal and Cut: Wet a sharp knife and slice the roll into even pieces.

Step 4: Garnishing and Serving

To make your crispy chicken sushi roll even better, add some finishing touches:

• Roll the sushi in panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Sprinkle with black and white sesame seeds.
• Serve with soy sauce, spicy mayo, and pickled ginger.

Tips for the Best Chicken Sushi Recipe

Making sushi at home can be a rewarding experience, but it does require some careful techniques to get everything just right. From handling the rice to ensuring the chicken stays crispy, a few simple tricks can make a big difference in the final result. Here are some tips to help you make the best homemade chicken sushi roll:

• Use cold water in your tempura batter to keep it light and crispy.
• Keep your hands wet while handling sushi rice to prevent sticking.
• Slice sushi with a sharp, wet knife for clean, even cuts.
• Don’t overfill your roll, or it won’t close properly.
• Experiment with fillings like cream cheese, jalapeños, or mango for a unique twist.
• Toast the nori lightly before rolling for extra crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Making a chicken sushi recipe at home is easier than you think. With fresh chicken tempura roll ingredients, the right rolling technique, and a bit of practice, you can enjoy a spicy chicken cucumber sushi or a spicy crunchy sushi roll anytime. Whether you prefer a chicken crunchy roll or a crispy chicken sushi roll, this recipe will give you restaurant-quality results at home. Have fun experimenting and enjoy your homemade sushi adventure!