If you are craving a comforting and flavorful meal that blends tender chicken with a luscious, homemade teriyaki sauce, this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and tangy notes wrapped around vibrant stir-fry vegetables and fragrant fried rice, all baked to bubbly perfection. This casserole transforms simple ingredients into a dazzling dish that’s bound to become a new family favorite, delivering that cozy home-cooked warmth with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward list of ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and satisfying textures. From the hearty chicken breast to the colorful stir-fry vegetables and the beautifully balanced teriyaki sauce, every component enhances the dish’s appeal.
- 3 Cups Fried Rice: Provides a comforting base rich with texture and flavor, perfect to soak up the saucy goodness.
- 1 Chicken Breast: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy after baking in the teriyaki sauce.
- 1 Package Stir Fry Vegetables: A fresh medley including broccoli, sprouts, carrots, and snow peas that adds crunch and vibrant color.
- ¾ Cup San-J Tamari Soy Sauce: The foundation of the teriyaki sauce, lending a deep umami punch with gluten-free properties.
- ½ Cup Water: Helps balance the saltiness and creates the perfect sauce consistency.
- â…“ Cup Brown Sugar: Brings a rich, caramelized sweetness to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon Honey: Adds a subtle, natural sweetness and a glossy finish.
- ¾ teaspoon Ground Ginger: Introduces a gentle, warm spice that brightens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil: Delivers a fragrant nuttiness that complements the dish’s Asian-inspired profile.
- 1 Clove Garlic (small, minced fine): Infuses the sauce with savory depth and aromatic complexity.
- 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch: Key for thickening the sauce to a perfect, luscious glaze.
- 2 Tablespoons Cold Water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch and create a smooth slurry for thickening.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fried Rice
Begin by making your fried rice as your base. Whether you prepare it fresh or use a simple pre-cooked recipe, the fried rice is essential for creating that satisfying texture that balances the juicy chicken and crisp vegetables. Set it aside and get ready for the star of the show: the teriyaki sauce.
Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, ground ginger, sesame oil, and finely minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a quick boil and let it cook for one full minute. This step ensures all those flavors meld into a harmonious blend that will coat every ingredient beautifully.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Next, stir together the cold water and cornstarch in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Slowly temper this mixture by adding a teaspoon of the hot soy mixture, whisking constantly. Then gradually pour it back into the saucepan with the boiling sauce. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens to a beautiful glaze. Once done, set this aside for layering the casserole.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place your chicken breast in a baking dish and pour one cup of the teriyaki sauce over it, letting it soak in all those irresistible flavors. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes. After baking, remove the chicken and shred it thoroughly so each piece will soak up even more sauce when combined.
Step 5: Steam Vegetables and Combine
While the chicken bakes, steam your stir-fry vegetables until they’re crisp-tender, preserving their vibrant color and fresh flavors. Once steamed, combine them in an 8×8″ baking dish together with the fried rice and shredded chicken. Pour in three tablespoons of the reserved teriyaki sauce and stir everything to combine perfectly.
Step 6: Finish Baking and Serve
Return the assembled casserole to the oven for 15 minutes, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together and the dish to heat through. When it comes out, drizzle a little extra teriyaki sauce on top for a glossy, flavorful finish. Serve it immediately for the best taste experience.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe is a fantastic way to add freshness and texture. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top to add a little crunch and a pop of color. Fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a creative twist.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own but pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides. Consider a simple cucumber salad or a crisp Asian slaw to complement the rich, saucy casserole. Steamed edamame or a miso soup can also be wonderful accompaniments to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner or gathering, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini skillets. Layering it in clear glass bakeware also shows off the colorful veggies and tender chicken, making the presentation as inviting as the flavors. Add a drizzle of teriyaki sauce table-side for an interactive and delicious finishing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully for longer storage. Simply cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and place it in a 350-degree F oven until warmed through, usually about 20 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce if needed to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more richness and stay tender and juicy in the baking process, making a delicious variation of this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, you can swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of water in the sauce. The stir-fry veggies and fried rice will still make this casserole packed with flavor and texture.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before using in the recipe to bring back its glossy thickness.
What type of soy sauce is best for this recipe?
The recipe uses San-J Tamari Soy Sauce for its gluten-free and rich umami qualities, but you can substitute regular soy sauce if preferred—just adjust the salt levels accordingly.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to include bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas to customize the vegetable mix and add even more color and nutrition to your Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe is a true gem for any home cook’s repertoire, blending ease, comfort, and exciting flavors into one satisfying dish. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become one of your go-to favorites — don’t hesitate to dive in and savor every delicious bite!
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Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Teriyaki Chicken Casserole features tender shredded chicken baked in a homemade teriyaki sauce, combined with steamed stir-fry vegetables and flavorful fried rice for a wholesome, comforting meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Fried Rice
- 3 Cups Fried Rice (prepared separately)
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 Chicken Breast
- 1 Package Stir Fry Vegetables (including broccoli, sprouts, carrots, and snow peas)
Teriyaki Sauce
- ¾ Cup San-J Tamari Soy Sauce
- ½ Cup Water
- â…“ Cup Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- ¾ teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 1 Clove Garlic (small, minced fine)
- 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons Cold Water
Instructions
- Prepare Fried Rice: Make the fried rice according to your preferred recipe or the referenced link to have it ready for layering in the casserole.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and assembling the casserole.
- Make Teriyaki Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, ground ginger, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 1 minute to meld the flavors.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cold water and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly whisk 1 teaspoon of the hot soy mixture into the cornstarch mixture to temper it, then pour everything back into the saucepan. Continue whisking over heat until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Bake Chicken: Place the chicken breast in a baking dish and pour 1 cup of the prepared teriyaki sauce over it. Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F, then remove from the oven and shred the chicken with two forks.
- Steam Vegetables: Steam the stir fry vegetables until crisp-tender, avoiding overcooking to retain their vibrant texture and nutrients.
- Assemble Casserole: In an 8×8 inch baking dish, combine the shredded chicken, steamed vegetables, and prepared fried rice. Add 3 tablespoons of the leftover teriyaki sauce and stir everything to combine well.
- Final Bake: Return the filled baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Serve: Remove from oven, drizzle with a little more teriyaki sauce for extra flavor, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can prepare the fried rice ahead of time or use leftover rice to save time.
- Use San-J Tamari Soy Sauce for a gluten-free option that enhances flavor.
- Steaming vegetables preserves nutrients and keeps them crisp for best texture in the casserole.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the brown sugar and honey amounts in the teriyaki sauce if desired.
- Shredding the chicken after baking ensures it soaks up the teriyaki sauce fully.
