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    MJ & Hungryman » Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes

    Tasty Chicken Rice Balls

    By Min On August 22, 2023, Updated September 11, 2023

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

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    Jump to Recipe
    An overhead shot of chicken rice balls on a blue plate with toddler's hand grabbing one.

    These chicken rice balls are packed with tender chicken and flavorful rice and vegetables. Enjoy these adorable little bites as a quick snack, a fun party appetizer, or a no-fuss meal.

    An overhead shot of chicken rice balls on a blue plate with toddler's hand grabbing one.

    Reasons to Love this Recipe

    • Satisfying and nutritious
    • Easy to prepare
    • Customizable - you can use any leftover vegetables you have on hand, allowing you to be creative and reduce food waste
    • Convenient on-the-go snack or meal - Great for bento box lunches!
    • Kid-friendly
    • Fun and interactive - I know many parents struggle with getting their kids to eat meat and veggies, but involving them in the cooking process can be a game-changer. It's an engaging way to introduce them to different flavors and textures, encouraging a sense of curiosity and adventure at the dinner table.
    • Want to make your rice balls larger or stuff them? Try these jumeokbap or Korean rice balls

    Is your toddler becoming picky?

    Arm yourself with these strategies that will transform your mealtimes!
    YES, PLEASE!
    Jump to:
    • Reasons to Love this Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to make Chicken Rice Balls
    • Tips for Success
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage
    • More Asian Dishes
    • Chicken Rice Balls

    Ingredients

    All the ingredients laid out on a white background.
    • Warm rice - you will need to use short grain or medium grain rice. Long grain rice, like jasmine or basmati, won't stick as well due to its lower starch content and is best reserved for fried rice.
    • Ground chicken - you can also use leftover cooked chicken.
    • Vegetables - you can use whatever you have on hand. Here I am using zucchini and red bell pepper.
    • Seaweed - you can use crushed seaweed sheets, seaweed snacks, or furikake seasoning (seasoned seaweed flakes).
    • Seasonings - I kept this recipe simple by using low-sodium soy sauce and sesame oil to make it baby-friendly. But feel free to use any of your favorite condiments, such as teriyaki sauce, hoisin, kewpie mayo, softened cream cheese, seasoned rice vinegar, sriracha, etc.

    How to make Chicken Rice Balls

    A four image collage of how to make rice balls.
    1. In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the chicken is halfway cooked through.
    2. Add the vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes.
    3. In a large mixing bowl, combine rice with the cooked vegetables, additional sesame oil, soy sauce, and crushed seaweed or seasoned seaweed flakes. You can also add some toasted sesame seeds.
    4. Scoop about 2 tablespoon of the rice mixture and shape into a compact ball. To make the process go faster and easier, use food-safe gloves coated with a little bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.

    Tips for Success

    A close up shot of rice balls on a blue plate.
    • Be sure to wash your rice until the water runs clear. This will ensure the rice will have just the right amount of stickiness.
    • If using leftover rice, cover with a damp paper towel and microwave until it's sticky again
    • For the seaweed sheets, you can crush with your hands, finely chop using a mini chopper, or cut into thin strips or pieces with kitchen shears. Or simply sprinkle some furikake seasoning.
    • It is best to use a gloves as rice is quite sticky. If you don't have any, you will need to work with slightly wet hands.

    Serving Suggestions

    Six rice balls in a stainless steel lunchbox with cucumbers and carrots.

    These chicken rice balls are the ultimate solution for when you need a quick, on-the-go snack for toddlers (or yourself!), delightful side dish, or light and satisfying meal

    They are also great for kids lunch boxes. The rice balls will dry out once refrigerated so I recommend preparing the chicken mixture ahead of time and, on the morning of, combine it with warm rice.

    Storage

    It is best to enjoy the rice balls shortly after preparing (ideally within 6 hours) as the rice will harden over time. However, you can store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

    Placing a damp paper towel in the container can help maintain moisture. You can also use leftovers to make this healthy fried rice.

    To freeze, wrap each rice ball in plastic wrap and store in freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month.

    To reheat, microwave with a damp paper towel.

    More Asian Dishes

    • A close up shot of scooped sushi bake on top of seaweed sheet.
      Easy Sushi Bake
    • pan fried dumplings on a plate with dipping sauce.
      Favorite Mandu (Korean Dumplings)
    • Asian cabbage salad placed on a plate with chopsticks.
      Asian Cabbage Salad
    • Cooked pancake slices on a white platter with dipping sauce.
      Korean Vegetable Pancakes (Yachaejeon)

    Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!

    An overhead shot of chicken rice balls on a blue plate with toddler's hand grabbing one.

    Chicken Rice Balls

    These chicken rice balls are packed with tender chicken and flavorful rice and vegetables. Enjoy these adorable little bites as a quick snack, a fun party appetizer, or a no-fuss meal.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 25 Balls
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup cooked short or medium grain rice
    • 4 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, divided
    • ½ pound ground chicken
    • ½ cup finely chopped zucchini
    • ½ cup finely chopped carrots
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

    Instructions

    • In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the chicken is halfway cooked through.
    • Add the vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine rice with the cooked vegetables, additional sesame oil, soy sauce, and crushed seaweed or seasoned seaweed flakes. You can also add some toasted sesame seeds.
    • Scoop about 2 tablespoon of the rice mixture and shape into a compact ball. To make the process go faster and easier, use food-safe gloves coated with a little bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.

    Notes

    • It is best to enjoy the rice balls shortly after preparing (ideally within 6 hours) as the rice will harden over time. However, you can store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Placing a damp paper towel in the container can help maintain moisture.
    • For lunchboxes - I recommend preparing the chicken mixture ahead of time and, on the morning of, combine it with warm rice.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 30kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 30mg
    Course Main, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine Asian
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!

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    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, I’m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says

      March 24, 2016 at 12:41 pm

      These look delicious! I don't mix meat and cheese, so just wondering if these would hold together without the cheese mixed in? If not, is there something else you'd recommend as a binder?

      • Min says

        March 28, 2016 at 12:58 pm

        I think cheese is key. If you don't want to mix the two together then perhaps omit the meat? If you want to keep the chicken, then try beating in an egg or two. I haven't tried it though so not sure how it will turn out...

    2. Regan @ Cabot Creamery says

      January 30, 2015 at 8:15 am

      I had no idea "fusion" cooking with cheese was so popular in Korean cooking... but hey, why not!?! Everything's better with cheese right?? 🙂

    3. Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says

      January 29, 2015 at 2:27 am

      I've never thought to add ketchup to fried rice before, but it does sound like it'd be quite delicious! I'm not big into football so with Lucas gone, I don't have any plans for the big day. I wish I lived closer so I could come to your party and eat all your delicious snacks. These fried rice balls sound crispy and delicious! I bet they'll be the hit of the party!

    4. Cindys Recipes and Writings says

      January 27, 2015 at 5:37 am

      These sound yummy, Min!

    5. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

      January 27, 2015 at 2:03 am

      Min, the half Asian in me in absolutely shocked that you incorporated CHEESE in a recipe. The half Persian in me is applauding you and silencing the other half. Genius. Absolutely genius.

    6. EA-The Spicy RD says

      January 27, 2015 at 12:15 am

      Genius recipe Min! I would never have thought to combine cheese and fried rice, but it sounds like a match made in Heaven! I will be sitting in your cheering squad (the non-cheering squad) for the Super Bowl this year too 🙂

    7. Rachael@AvocadoADayNutrition says

      January 26, 2015 at 9:20 pm

      I had no idea adding cheese to create fusion dishes in popular in Korea, but it's kind of genius! I mean, you know my love for both cheese and Korean food, so I'm all in!

    8. Trisha says

      January 26, 2015 at 3:47 pm

      Min, these look delicious! I agree, my favorite part of Super Bowl watching is the snacks! I like that these have some healthy veggies but also some yummy traditional ingredients like ketchup and cheese!

    9. Sonali- The Foodie Physician says

      January 26, 2015 at 1:55 pm

      If I'm being totally honest, I would say roughly 99% (give or take 1%) of the Super Bowl fun for me is spending time with good friends eating good food. As always, your dish looks like it's packed with so much tasty yumminess! I hope you're feeling well Min 🙂

    10. Liz - Meal Makeover Mom says

      January 26, 2015 at 12:57 pm

      That's my kind of recipe. Love it. I may have to make these for Superbowl when I watch the Pats win 🙂 Pinning NOW!!

    11. Deanna Segrave-Daly says

      January 26, 2015 at 12:04 pm

      SO creative (as usual.) Forget the Super Bowl - I'm making these babies for myself soon 🙂

    12. Farrah says

      January 26, 2015 at 9:12 am

      You are an awesome human being. I've been looking for more ways to use up all the brown rice I have! :D!!! These look amazing! <3

    13. Elizabeth @ Enjoy Every Bite says

      January 26, 2015 at 8:15 am

      These look so yummy! Not to mention so much easier to eat while watching a football game than fried rice 🙂

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    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope you’ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

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