This Teriyaki Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables, all glazed in a rich homemade teriyaki sauce for a flavorful and balanced meal that’s perfect for family dinners. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable, and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce:
- 3/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
Casserole Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2-3 small breasts)
- 3 cups cooked rice (brown or white)
- 12-16 ounces frozen mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, and peas)
- Optional garnish: green onions and sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep and Preheat
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Make the Teriyaki Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger.
- Once it starts to boil, lower the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add this to the saucepan and stir until the sauce thickens. Set aside.
- Bake the Chicken
- Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared dish and pour about half of the teriyaki sauce over them.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken and Combine Ingredients
- Remove the chicken from the dish and shred it using two forks.
- Add the shredded chicken back to the baking dish with the cooked rice and steamed vegetables.
- Pour the remaining teriyaki sauce over the mixture and stir well to coat.
- Final Bake
- Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 10-15 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors are well combined.
- Serve and Garnish
- Remove from the oven, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Pineapple Variation: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet flavor twist, as some versions incorporate fruit for added depth.
- Veggie Variations: Broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers work well as vegetable substitutions.
- Spiciness: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce to the teriyaki for a spicy kick.
This casserole is a complete meal in one dish, providing protein, carbs, and vegetables. It’s easy to adapt to different preferences, whether by adjusting the sweetness, adding pineapple, or spicing it up. Enjoy leftovers throughout the week, as this dish keeps well in the fridge for up to five days and can even be frozen for future meals.
