Perfect Crispy Chicken Tempura Roll Recipe

Chef MarcoJanuary 21, 2025

0 247 7 minutes read

There’s something truly special about that first bite of a perfectly crispy chicken tempura roll—the satisfying crunch of the tempura, the juicy tenderness of the chicken, and the way all the flavors come together in perfect harmony.

A beautifully plated chicken tempura sushi roll, sliced into pieces and served with small bowls of soy sauce, pickled ginger, and sriracha mayo for dipping.

I’ll never forget the first time I made these at home for a relaxed weekend dinner. My family absolutely loved them, and now they’ve become our go-to dish for entertaining guests or treating ourselves on busy evenings.

What’s great about this chicken tempura roll is how surprisingly simple it is, yet it delivers that same irresistible, restaurant-quality taste you crave. Whether you’re new to making sushi or a seasoned pro, this chicken tempura roll is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

If the idea of making sushi at home feels a little daunting, don’t worry! With a bit of practice and the right tips, you’ll be rolling like a pro in no time. Imagine biting into a roll filled with crispy tempura chicken, creamy avocado, and refreshing cucumber, all wrapped in perfectly seasoned sushi rice and nori—it’s a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss.

Plus, it’s such a fun activity to share with friends or family. Everyone can get creative and customize their rolls with their favorite fillings, making it a memorable and interactive meal. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into making these delicious chicken tempura rolls together!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tempura:

1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 6 oz)
1/2 cup tempura flour (or all-purpose flour)

1/2 cup ice-cold water
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sushi Rice:

1 cup sushi rice
1 1/4 cups water

2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt

For the Roll Assembly:

4 sheets nori (seaweed)
1/2 cucumber (julienned)
1/2 avocado (sliced thinly)

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp sriracha (optional, for spice)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial to remove excess starch, which can make the rice too sticky.

A close-up of sushi rice being rinsed under cold running water in a fine-mesh strainer, with clear water flowing through the grains.

In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice and 1 1/4 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become perfectly tender.
In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked rice. Let the rice cool to room temperature before using.

A small bowl of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt being mixed together, with a spoon stirring the ingredients until dissolved, ready to be folded into cooked sushi rice.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Tempura

Cut the chicken breast into thin strips (about 1/2-inch thick). For extra tenderness, you can lightly pound the chicken before slicing.

A raw chicken breast being sliced into thin, even strips on a wooden cutting board, with a kitchen mallet nearby for optional tenderizing

In a mixing bowl, combine tempura flour, ice-cold water, baking soda, and salt. Mix lightly—it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy. Overmixing can result in a dense batter, so handle it gently.

A mixing bowl containing tempura flour, ice-cold water, baking soda, and salt being gently combined with a whisk, creating a slightly lumpy batter.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at the right temperature, as this is key to achieving crispy tempura.
Dip each chicken strip into the tempura batter, allowing excess to drip off, and carefully place it into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

A hand dipping a chicken strip coated in tempura batter into hot oil in a deep pan, with golden, crispy tempura pieces draining on a paper towel-lined plate nearby.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Tempura Roll

Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat, shiny side down. If you don’t have a sushi mat, you can use a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

Spread a thin layer of sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the rice for added flavor and texture.

A sheet of nori placed shiny side down on a bamboo sushi mat, ready to be topped with sushi rice and fillings.

Flip the nori sheet so the rice side is facing down. This step might feel a bit tricky at first, but it helps keep the roll tight and secure.

Arrange 2-3 tempura chicken strips, cucumber, and avocado slices horizontally across the center of the nori. You can also add other fillings like cream cheese or crab sticks if you’d like.

A sushi roll in progress, with crispy tempura chicken strips, fresh avocado slices, and julienned cucumber arranged horizontally across the center of a nori sheet on a bamboo mat.

Drizzle a mix of mayonnaise and sriracha (if using) over the filling. This adds a creamy, spicy kick that complements the crispy tempura perfectly.

A hand drizzling a creamy mixture of mayonnaise and sriracha over crispy tempura chicken, avocado, and cucumber fillings on a nori sheet.

Using the bamboo mat, roll the sushi tightly from the bottom, pressing gently to seal the edge. Apply even pressure to ensure the roll holds its shape.

Hands using a bamboo sushi mat to tightly roll a nori sheet filled with tempura chicken, avocado, and cucumber, gently pressing to seal the edge.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 6-8 pieces. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for clean slices.

A sharp knife cutting a chicken tempura sushi roll into even pieces on a wooden cutting board, with a damp cloth nearby for wiping the blade.

Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and extra sriracha mayo for dipping.

Ingredient Insights and Substitutions

Chicken Breast

Selection: Choose firm, pinkish chicken breasts. For extra tenderness, lightly pound the chicken before slicing.
Substitution: Use tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood twist.

Tempura Flour

Selection: Tempura flour ensures a light, crispy texture. If unavailable, use a mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch (3:1 ratio).

Substitution: For gluten-free rolls, use rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

Sushi Rice

Selection: Short-grain sushi rice is ideal for its sticky texture. Rinse thoroughly to remove excess starch.
Substitution: Short-grain brown rice can be used, though the texture will differ.

Nori (Seaweed Sheets)

Selection: Choose high-quality nori that’s dark green and crisp. Toast lightly for enhanced flavor.
Substitution: Use soy paper for a milder taste.

The Magic of Homemade Sushi

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making sushi at home. It’s not just about the end result—though that’s delicious—but the process itself. Rolling sushi can be a fun, hands-on activity that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking with friends, family, or even solo, it’s a chance to get creative and enjoy the journey as much as the meal.

Why Tempura Makes All the Difference

Tempura adds a unique crunch that takes this roll to the next level. The light, airy batter coats the chicken perfectly, creating a contrast with the soft rice and creamy avocado. It’s that combination of textures—crispy, tender, and smooth—that makes every bite so irresistible.

The Art of Rolling Sushi

Rolling sushi might seem tricky at first, but it’s all about practice. The key is to apply even pressure as you roll, keeping the fillings snug inside the nori. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect the first time—each roll gets easier, and even the messy ones still taste amazing.

Customizing Your Rolls

One of the best parts of making sushi at home is how customizable it is. Don’t like avocado? Swap it for mango or cream cheese. Want a bit of heat? Add a drizzle of spicy mayo or a sprinkle of chili flakes. You can even experiment with different proteins, like shrimp or tofu, to suit your preferences.

The Role of Sushi Rice

Sushi rice might seem like a small detail, but it’s the backbone of any great roll. The slight tang from the rice vinegar, combined with a touch of sugar and salt, enhances the flavors of the fillings. Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking removes excess starch, ensuring it’s sticky enough to hold the roll together without being gummy.

Nori: More Than Just a Wrapper

Nori, the seaweed sheet used to wrap the roll, adds a subtle umami flavor that complements the other ingredients. Toasting it lightly before use can enhance its flavor and make it more pliable. If you’re not a fan of nori’s taste, soy paper is a great alternative that still holds the roll together beautifully.

Pairing Suggestions

A chicken tempura roll pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and drinks. Serve it with a bowl of miso soup or a light salad for a complete meal. For drinks, try green tea, a crisp white wine, or even a cold beer to balance the richness of the tempura.

Leftovers? No Problem!

While sushi is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftover chicken tempura rolls in the fridge for up to 24 hours. To revive the tempura’s crispiness, pop them in an air fryer or oven for a few minutes. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent the rice from drying out.

A Dish for All Occasions

This chicken tempura roll is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, a fun dinner party, or even as a unique appetizer for special occasions. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it to kids or adults.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about a dish that’s crispy, creamy, and bursting with flavor? This chicken tempura roll is a fantastic way to enjoy restaurant-quality sushi without leaving your kitchen. It’s a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

ALSO TO TRY :
Crispy Egg Roll Wrapper
Easy Balsamic Fig Glaze

Tips and FAQs

Tips for Success

Keep the tempura batter cold for a light, crispy texture.
Don’t overfill the rolls to avoid difficulty rolling or breaking the nori.

Use a sharp, damp knife for clean cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make chicken tempura rolls ahead of time?
A: It’s best to assemble them fresh, but you can prep components like rice and tempura chicken in advance.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.

Q: Can I freeze the rolls?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture will change.

Q: What’s the best oil for frying tempura?
A: Use neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil with a high smoke point.

There you have it—a step-by-step guide to creating your very own chicken tempura roll at home! Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast or a beginner in the kitchen, this chicken tempura roll is sure to impress with its crispy tempura, tender chicken, and fresh, flavorful fillings. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite ingredients or dietary swaps to make it uniquely yours.

We’d love to hear how your chicken tempura roll turned out! Leave a comment below to share your experience, rate the recipe, or ask any questions. And if you snapped a photo of your masterpiece, tag us on social media—we can’t wait to see your creations! Happy rolling!

Seasonal Suggestion

These chicken tempura rolls are perfect for a fun weekend dinner or even as a unique appetizer for your next party. They’re also a great way to introduce friends and family to homemade sushi—ideal for holiday gatherings or summer picnics!