teriyaki chicken casserole

teriyaki chicken casserole

Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s not only become an everyday weeknight recipe but also the perfect weekend meal. What is a staple in my house but also one I look forward to making. Think of it as the lasagna of the East – layers of deliciousness, but instead of Italian flavors, this is a new dish. What is teriyaki? I’m talking about my famous (at least in my family) **teriyaki chicken casserole**. What is the best way to use up leftovers from a meal? My kids practically inhale it, and honestly, so do I! I always feel like I’m cheating because it tastes like we spent hours in the kitchen, but seriously, I feel guilty. Is it possible to make a complete meal in 30 minutes? What is the magic of a Chicken Dinner?

teriyaki chicken casserole final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is Teriyaki Chicken Casserole?

What is the ultimate comfort food mashup? What is essentially layers of rice, tender chicken coated in a sweet and sticky teriyaki sauce, and topped with roasted chiles? Sometimes some veggies, all baked together until bubbly and golden brown. Think of it as a deconstructed teriyaki chicken bowl, transformed into Noodle Casserole. The name comes from the glaze we use on chicken which gives a shiny and savory feel to the chicken. What is essentially Japanese cooking that you can easily make at home? What is the beauty of this dish? Can you customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, adjust the sweetness to your liking, and even make it your own. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out rice for noodles. Is it a hug in the pan?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Let me count the ways! First and foremost, the flavor is simply divine. What is teriyaki sauce? What are some of the best symphonies of taste? What I love about this is how easy it is to make. I can whip this up on the busiest of weeknights without breaking a sweat. Is it a lifesa And let’s talk about cost-efficiency – chicken is generally budget-friendly, and the other is more expensive. Ingredients are pantry staples, making this a win for both your taste buds and your wallet. I always have chicken breasts frozen for this specific recipe. Also, it’s incredibly versatile. Is it gluten free? Can you substitute tamari for soy sauce? What are the possibilities? What are the right notes for a good food? My grandmother used to make a similar dish, but hers involved cream. This dish was made with cream and cream cheese. What is the best mushroom soup? This **teriyaki chicken casserole** is a much lighter, fresher take on that classic comfort food. Is it really one of those recipes that makes everyone happy?

How do I make Teriyaki Chicken Casserole?

Quick Overview

What is teriyaki chicken casserole? How do you cook leftover rice? ), then preparing a quick and easy teriyaki sauce. Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce, layer everything in a baking dish, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. How do you heat through What is the best way to do a yoga class in 30 minutes? Don’t be intimidated by layering – it’s more about creating a delicious combination of flavors. What is more important than perfection? What are some tricks to make an oven work?

Ingredients

For the rice base: What is the recipe?

  • 2 cups cooked rice (I prefer jasmine or brown rice, but any kind will do)

For the Teriyaki Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect!
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): 1 cup Soy Sauce (
  • 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup) per cup.
  • 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar. 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger. 1 tsp.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) per 1 cup.
  • 2 tablespoons water. 2 teaspoons

What are the Veggies (optional)

  • One cup broccoli florets. 1 cup.
  • 1 cup sliced carrots. 1 Tablespoon
  • 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish) (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds (for garnish) (optional)

teriyaki chicken casserole ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. I always use glass – it seems to bake more evenly! This step is crucial for preventing the casserole from sticking and making cleanup easy.

Step 2: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and salt. Set aside. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. How do you make a thick sauce? Add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Is it possible to Keep an eye on it – it can thicken quickly!

Step 3: Toss Chicken in Sauce

Add the cooked chicken to the saucepan with the teriyaki sauce and stir to coat evenly. Make sure every piece of chicken is slathered in that delicious sauce!

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Spread the cooked rice evenly in the prepared baking dish. I like to fluff rice with a fork first to make it nice and airy. If you’re using vegetables, spread them over the rice. The teriyaki chicken mixture should be spread evenly over the rice and vegetables.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly. The top should be lightly golden brown. If you want an extra crispy top, you can broil it for the last minute or two, but watch it closely. Why doesn’t it burn?

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. What is the best way to make flavors meld together?

What should I serve it with?

What is a good teriyaki chicken casserole? What are some serving suggestions?

For a light lunch: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the casserole.

What is a hearty dinner?Is it good to eat steamed edamame or stir-fried vegetables?

For an Asian-Inspired Feast:Serve with miso soup and pickled ginger. What makes a Japanese dining experience unique?

My family loves it with a side of kimchi for extra kick. The spicy, fermented cabbage adds a wonderful layer of complexity to the dish. Is it okay to eat pasta straight out of the pan with a spoon? What is a good dinner dish?

How do I make Teriyaki Chicken Casserole?

What is the best way to take teriyaki chicken casserole to the next level? What are some of the best tips and tricks I have learned over the years?

Rice Prep:For the best texture, use slightly undercooked rice. What is the best way to cook teriyaki in the oven?

Sauce Consistency: If your teriyaki sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Snow peas, water chestnuts, and baby corn are all great additions. I once tried adding pineapple chunks and it was surprisingly delicious!

Chicken Options: If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, you can quickly cook some chicken breasts in a skillet or bake them in the oven. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the sauce.

Spice Level: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce. A little goes a long way!

Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.

I’ve even experimented with adding a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy casserole. It’s not traditional, but it’s definitely delicious! The main thing is not to be afraid to play with ingredients and create a version that you will love.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This **teriyaki chicken casserole** is perfect for meal prepping and leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Room Temperature: Do not leave this at room temperature for more than two hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually meld together even more overnight, making it even more delicious!

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the bottom of the dish before reheating. I also sometimes add fresh green onions after reheating to brighten it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. Cornstarch is generally gluten-free, but it’s always good to be sure.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great healthy alternative. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. I usually cook my brown rice in a rice cooker for the best results.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to add any vegetables you like. Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas are all great options. Get creative and use what you have on hand.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
What if I don’t have honey?
You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey. You can also use brown sugar, but it will give the sauce a slightly different flavor.

Final Thoughts

teriyaki chicken casserole slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

So there you have it – my go-to **teriyaki chicken casserole** recipe! It’s a dish that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This is a recipe I’ve tweaked and perfected over years, and every time I make it, I’m reminded of how much joy simple, flavorful food can bring. If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love, look no further. If you enjoy this, you might also like my Sesame Chicken bowls or my sweet and sour chicken stir-fry. I’m always looking for new ways to bring Asian-inspired flavors to my table! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how your **teriyaki chicken casserole** turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what variations you try. I’m always looking for new ideas!

Teriyaki Chicken Casserole

A savory and easy teriyaki chicken casserole recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe features tender chicken in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, topped with fluffy rice.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts
  • 1 cup Teriyaki sauce
  • 2 cups Cooked rice
  • 1 cup Broccoli florets

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with teriyaki sauce.
  • Combine cooked rice, broccoli, and chicken in a greased casserole dish.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and heated through.

Notes

Serve hot and enjoy! You can add other vegetables like carrots or peas.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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