Save My roommate walked in while I was mixing shredded chicken with mayo and sriracha, looking equal parts horrified and intrigued. Twenty minutes later, we were sitting on the kitchen floor eating this bubbling, cheesy casserole directly from the pan, making promises to never judge fusion experiments again. That was three years ago, and now it is the most requested dish at every game night and potluck.
I brought this to a Super Bowl party thinking it would be a side dish, but it vanished before anyone even touched the wings. People were genuinely scraping the corners of the baking dish with forks, which I consider the highest compliment a casserole can receive. Now it is my go to when I need something that feels special but does not require spending three hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Sushi rice: Short grain rice is non negotiable here because it creates that sticky, clinging texture that holds everything together
- Rice vinegar mixture: The seasoning gives the rice that authentic sushi restaurant flavor, so do not skip the sugar or salt
- Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully and saves time, but any poached or baked breast meat will do
- Japanese mayonnaise: Kewpie mayo has a richer egg flavor that makes the chicken mixture taste restaurant quality
- Cream cheese: This is the secret weapon that makes the filling incredibly creamy and helps bind everything together
- Sriracha: Adjust this based on your heat tolerance, but the spicy kick cuts through the rich cheese perfectly
- Mozzarella cheese: It creates that gorgeous golden bubbly top that makes this dish impossible to resist
- Furikake seasoning: This rice seasoning adds seaweed, sesame, and salt that elevates the entire dish
- Fresh avocado: Adding cool creamy avocado right before serving balances the hot, cheesy bake
Instructions
- Preheat your oven:
- Crank that oven to 400°F and grease a 9x9 baking dish with butter or oil
- Cook the rice:
- Rinse the sushi rice until the water runs clear, then cook it with water according to package directions
- Season the rice:
- Whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved, then gently fold it into the hot rice
- Mix the filling:
- Combine the cooked chicken, mayo, cream cheese, sriracha, soy sauce, and sliced green onions until creamy
- Assemble the base:
- Spread the seasoned rice evenly in your baking dish and sprinkle with half the furikake
- Layer it up:
- Spread the chicken mixture over the rice, then top with mozzarella and the remaining furikake
- Bake until golden:
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden spots
- Add the toppings:
- Let it rest for 5 minutes, then add avocado slices, nori strips, sesame seeds, and extra sauce drizzles
Save Last winter my sister came over exhausted from a 12 hour nursing shift and I made this for her dinner. She ate three servings while sitting at the counter, told me it was the best comfort food she had ever had, and then immediately asked for the recipe to make for her own roommates. That is when I knew this was not just a party dish, but genuine comfort food.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to whatever you have in the fridge or whatever your family prefers. I have made countless variations and each one has been a hit.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this with small bowls of soy sauce, extra sriracha, and pickled ginger on the side. Some nights we scoop it onto small nori sheets and eat it like little handheld sushi bites, which feels fun and interactive.
Storage and Reheating
This stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and the flavors actually meld together even more overnight. Reheat uncovered at 350°F for about 15 minutes until hot and bubbly again.
- The rice will absorb some moisture overnight, so add a splash of water before reheating
- Avocado does not reheat well, so add fresh slices when serving leftovers
- For best results, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain the crispy cheesy top
Save This dish has brought so much joy to my kitchen table, from game nights to exhausted weeknight dinners. I hope it becomes a staple in your home too.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use other types of rice for this dish?
For best results, sushi rice is recommended due to its sticky texture, which holds the layers together well. Short-grain rice is a good substitute if sushi rice is unavailable.
- → What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the chicken mixture?
Greek yogurt or a light sour cream can be used as alternatives, providing creaminess while slightly altering the flavor profile.
- → How spicy is this casserole and can it be adjusted?
The sriracha adds a mild to moderate heat. You can adjust the amount to suit your preference or omit it for a milder taste.
- → Is it important to rest the rice before assembling?
Allowing the rice to rest helps it firm up slightly and better absorb the seasoning, improving texture and flavor balance.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate before baking. Just add avocado and toppings fresh after baking for best texture.