Chicken Sushi Bake (Print)

A creamy baked dish with seasoned rice, tender chicken, mozzarella, and avocado for comforting fusion flavors.

# Components:

→ Rice

01 - 2 cups sushi rice
02 - 2 1/2 cups water
03 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
04 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Chicken Mixture

06 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
07 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Japanese Kewpie)
08 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
09 - 1 tablespoon sriracha, adjust to taste
10 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
11 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Topping & Assembly

12 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
13 - 2 tablespoons furikake seasoning
14 - 1 avocado, sliced
15 - 1 sheet nori, cut into strips or snack-size pieces
16 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
17 - Extra sriracha and mayonnaise for drizzling

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
02 - Rinse sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice and 2 1/2 cups water in a pot; bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
03 - Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved. Gently fold the mixture into the cooked rice.
04 - In a medium bowl, combine cooked chicken, mayonnaise, cream cheese, sriracha, soy sauce, and green onions until creamy and well blended.
05 - Spread the seasoned rice evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of furikake seasoning over the rice.
06 - Evenly spread the chicken mixture over the rice layer. Top with shredded mozzarella and the remaining furikake.
07 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
08 - Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Top with sliced avocado, nori strips, toasted sesame seeds, and drizzle with additional sriracha and mayonnaise if desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like sushi but comes together faster than ordering takeout.
  • You can make it ahead and bake it right when people arrive, impressing everyone with minimal last-minute stress.
  • The creamy, savory layers hit that comfort-food spot while the fresh toppings keep it feeling light and intentional.
02 -
  • Don't add the avocado before baking—it will turn brown and bitter in the oven, and you'll lose that fresh, buttery contrast that makes the dish feel light.
  • Rice vinegar, sugar, and salt need to dissolve completely before folding into the rice, or you'll get grainy pockets instead of even seasoning throughout.
  • The five-minute rest after baking is not optional—it lets the layers set and makes serving so much cleaner and more impressive-looking.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes before sprinkling them on top—they'll be more fragrant and the flavor will pop against the creamy, savory layers.
  • If you're not serving immediately after baking, keep the casserole warm in a 200°F oven and add the fresh toppings right before serving so they stay vibrant and crunchy.
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