May 8, 2020

Japanese Torihamu (Chicken Ham) Recipe

Torihamu (鶏ハム) or Chicken “ham” entered mainstream Japanese culture and was popularized around 2001 or 2002. Torihamu is seasoned with salt and uses a cooking method to cook chicken into the shape of ham. I was first skeptical trying torihamu and didn’t think that chicken could have the same texture and taste as ham. Surprisingly, chicken breast meat, which has low-fat and can be considered bland, tastes amazing with this simple recipe. Additionally, the texture is similar to ham and can be used for sandwiches or as a snack. Chicken breast is great for those working out due to the high protein content. With this Japanese torihamu recipe, you will learn how to make chicken ham.

As a kid, I often used deli meats to make sandwiches for high school lunch. As an adult, I try to buy non-deli meat because it is cheaper on a weight basis, and is contains fewer preservatives. Cooking Japanese Torihamu (Chicken Ham) with this recipe is the perfect compromise because I was able to use bulk chicken to make a deli style chicken slice for sandwiches.

This recipe does take a bit of patience due to marinating the chicken in salt for at least 6 hours, but it does not take a lot of prep time, nor does it take many ingredients. All you need is salt and chicken. I’m now able to prepare multiple chicken hams that can be frozen for later, and I can use the meat for sandwiches or as a snack when I get hungry. I also enjoy working out, and this is a great way to get protein when I’m in a rush.

Tips for Making Japanese Torihamu Recipe

I recommend making multiple rolls of chicken ham because it doesn’t take much longer. There is not much difference in time and effort between making one or several chicken hams. It’s best if you can make multiple chicken hams and freeze the extras for later.
If there is a sale on chicken breast, I recommend making multiple chicken hams. They are great when you are in a crunch for time. You can grab and eat it as a healthy snack, or you can easily make sandwiches for your children when you are busy. You can shred the chicken and top on a salad as well. The chicken ham has multiple uses.
Green onions can be used as a garnish for this dish. I also created a sauce made from soy sauce, dashi, and garlic to add to the flavor, but this is optional. The chicken ham tastes great plain as well. If you like a little spice, I would recommend adding some spicy oil to the sauce.
Herbs and garlic can also be added to enhance the aromatics of the chicken ham. I recommend Rosemary or other herbs/flavoring you like.

Japanese Torihamu (Chicken Ham) Recipe

Chicken ham is a simple recipe that forms chicken into the shape of ham. It's flavored with a bit of salt and can be used as a snack or for sandwiches. It's an easy recipe, but I recommend letting the salt embed into the chicken for at least 6 hours.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Resting Time 6

Total Time 6 10

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Japanese

Ingredients

300 grams Chicken Breast (~1 chicken breast)
1 tsp Salt

Instructions

Remove fat from chicken and fillet chicken as shown in picture. (Watch video below for additional details)
Add 1 tsp of salt on both sides of the chicken and rub into meat.
Leave for at least 5-6 hours to allow the salt to imbue into the chicken.
Prepare plastic wrap for chicken.
Roll the chicken within the plastic as shown in the picture.
Boil a pot of hot water.
Remove the boiling water from the stove and place the wrapped chicken into the pot. Cover with a lid.
Once the water cools down, the chicken is finished. Cut through the chicken to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.
Optional: I topped the chicken ham with green onions and created a sauce with soy sauce, dashi, and garlic. This is optional and tastes great with or without the sauce.