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A close-up of a chicken tempura roll sliced into bite-sized pieces, showcasing crispy tempura-battered chicken, sushi rice, and nori.

Chicken Tempura Roll

A crispy and flavorful Chicken Tempura Roll, combining crunchy tempura-fried chicken, creamy avocado, and seasoned sushi rice wrapped in nori. Drizzled with spicy mayo or eel sauce for an irresistible homemade sushi experience.

  • Total Time: 35
  • Yield: 4 rolls (24-32 pieces) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Tempura:

  • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into thin strips
  • 1 cup tempura batter mix (or homemade: ¾ cup flour, 1 egg, ¾ cup ice-cold water)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
  • Vegetable or canola oil (for deep frying)

For the Sushi Roll:

  • 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt
  • 4 sheets nori (seaweed sheets)
  • ½ cucumber, julienned
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Spicy mayo or eel sauce, for drizzling

Optional Additions:

  • 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened (for a creamy texture)
  • 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (for heat)
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds or tobiko (for garnish and crunch)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Tempura

  1. In a bowl, whisk together ice-cold water, flour, and egg to make a smooth tempura batter.
  2. Dip the chicken strips into the batter, ensuring they are well coated.
  3. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

2. Cook the Sushi Rice

  1. Rinse sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Cook according to package instructions, preferably in a rice cooker.
  3. In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, then fold it into the warm rice.
  4. Let rice cool to room temperature before rolling.

3. Assemble the Sushi Roll

  1. Place a nori sheet on a bamboo sushi mat, rough side up.
  2. Spread an even layer of sushi rice, leaving a 1-inch gap at the top.
  3. Arrange crispy tempura chicken, avocado, and cucumber in the center.
  4. Use the bamboo mat to gently roll the sushi, applying light pressure.
  5. Seal the roll by dabbing the edge of the nori with water.

4. Cut and Serve

  1. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into 6-8 equal pieces.
  2. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for clean slices.
  3. Drizzle with spicy mayo or eel sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  4. Serve immediately with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, coat the battered chicken with panko breadcrumbs before frying.
  • To make an inside-out roll, flip the nori after spreading the rice and roll with the rice on the outside.
  • A sushi rolling mat makes shaping the roll much easier.
  • Author: Jessica Miller
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Rolling, Deep Frying
  • Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 pieces
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Protein: 12 g

Keywords: Chicken tempura roll, sushi roll, homemade sushi, Japanese cuisine, crispy chicken sushi