Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together a delicious balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors with minimal effort. The homemade teriyaki sauce is simple to prepare, and the chicken, rice, and vegetables all bake together to create a comforting and wholesome dish. The recipe is quick, requires only one pan, and delivers big on taste. Plus, it’s versatile and customizable to fit different tastes or dietary preferences. If you're craving a meal that’s easy to make, healthy, and full of flavor, this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole is the perfect choice.
Ingredients
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¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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½ cup water
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¼ cup brown sugar
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½ teaspoon ground ginger
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½ teaspoon minced garlic
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2 Tablespoons cornstarch + 2 Tablespoons water
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1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
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1 bag (12 ounces) stir-fry vegetables (broccoli, carrots, snow peas, etc.)
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3 cups cooked brown or white rice
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
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In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, ½ cup water, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove the lid and let it cook for 1 minute.
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Meanwhile, in a separate dish, stir together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Once the sauce is boiling, add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir to combine. Cook until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat.
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Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking pan. Arrange the vegetables around the chicken breasts. Pour one cup of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and veggies. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
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Carefully remove the foil, then shred the chicken in the pan using two forks.
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Add the cooked rice to the casserole dish, then pour most of the remaining sauce over the top, reserving a little to drizzle when serving. Gently toss everything together to combine.
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Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes or until heated through. Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.
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Drizzle the remaining sauce over each serving and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6
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Preparation time: 10 minutes
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Cooking time: 40 minutes
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Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this casserole.
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Different Veggies: Feel free to customize the stir-fry vegetables with your favorites, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.
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Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
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Spicy Teriyaki: Add a little chili paste or red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, adding a little extra sauce if needed to keep it moist.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen stir-fry vegetables work well in this recipe and can save you some prep time.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it before using.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts for a juicier and more flavorful option.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, you can substitute white rice for brown rice if you prefer. Just be sure it is cooked before adding it to the casserole.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking. Store it in the refrigerator and bake it the next day.
Can I use other types of rice?
Yes, you can use jasmine rice, basmati, or any other rice variety, as long as it's cooked before assembling the casserole.
What can I serve this casserole with?
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of pickled ginger or a simple salad for added freshness.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Can I add more sauce to the casserole?
Absolutely! If you prefer more sauce, you can double the sauce ingredients for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Teriyaki Chicken Casserole is an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit with your family. With its savory-sweet sauce, tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and hearty rice, it’s the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. Plus, with the ability to customize the recipe to your liking, it’s a versatile meal that will never get boring! Enjoy this wholesome dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
This Teriyaki Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, savory teriyaki sauce, and a mix of veggies all baked together in a cheesy, creamy casserole. It's a simple, one-pan dinner that's perfect for busy nights and will become a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
1 ½ cups cooked rice (white or brown rice)
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed veggies)
½ cup sliced green onions
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup teriyaki sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, peas and carrots, green onions, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
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In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and rice mixture, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
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Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
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Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
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After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with sesame seeds (optional) and serve hot.
Notes
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Protein Options: Feel free to swap chicken for cooked turkey or even shrimp for variation.
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Add-ins: You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or other veggies for more texture and flavor.
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Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it's cold from the fridge.