This irresistible Teriyaki Chicken Casserole is a game-changer for dinner time! It combines tender shredded chicken, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice all brought together with a rich, savory teriyaki sauce. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make and perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The flavors meld beautifully as everything bakes together, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just layer the ingredients, pour the sauce, and let the oven do the work! It’s practically hands-off cooking.
- Complete Meal in One Dish: Protein, vegetables, and carbs all in one casserole – no need to worry about side dishes!
- Family-Friendly Flavors: The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce is a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts: The star protein that soaks up all that delicious teriyaki flavor. They become incredibly tender and easy to shred after baking.
- Fresh Stir-Fry Vegetables: A colorful mix that adds nutrition and texture. The pre-cut mixes save tons of prep time when you’re in a hurry.
- Teriyaki Sauce: The flavor foundation of this dish – it infuses everything with that sweet, savory, umami goodness we all crave.
- Cooked Rice: Creates the hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce. It’s filling and perfect for completing the meal.
- Olive Oil Spray: Just a light coating to prevent sticking and help the vegetables roast beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
- Sesame Seeds: Optional garnish that adds a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Green Onions: Fresh, bright flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish when sprinkled on top.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Mix Up Your Protein
Swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for juicier results, or try using thinly sliced beef or firm tofu for a vegetarian version.
Vegetable Variations
Try broccoli florets, snap peas, water chestnuts, baby corn, or bok choy for authentic Asian-inspired flavors. Frozen stir-fry vegetables work well too if you’re in a pinch!
Grain Alternatives
Replace white rice with brown rice for more fiber, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even quinoa for added protein.
Sauce Customizations
Add a tablespoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick, or mix in some honey and ginger for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Arrange Chicken and Vegetables
Place your chicken breasts in the center of the pan and surround them with the fresh stir-fry vegetables. Spray everything lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Add Teriyaki Sauce
Pour about 3/4-1 cup of teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables, making sure the chicken is well-coated.
Step 4: Initial Baking
Cover the pan with foil (this helps keep everything moist) and bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Step 5: Finish the Vegetables
Remove the pan from the oven and take out the chicken to rest. Give the vegetables a good stir and return the pan to the oven for another 10 minutes until the vegetables are fork-tender.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Shred the rested chicken using two forks and return it to the pan. Add the cooked rice and drizzle with an additional 1/4-1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients.
Step 7: Final Bake
Return the casserole to the oven for a final 5 minutes to warm everything through and allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the casserole into bowls and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Offer extra teriyaki sauce on the side for those who want more flavor.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Choose the Right Teriyaki Sauce: The sauce makes a huge difference in flavor! Try Trader Joe’s “Soyaki,” Panda Mandarin Teriyaki sauce, or Soy Vey Veri Teriyaki for best results.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F but doesn’t go far beyond that, which could make it dry.
- Let the Chicken Rest: Those 5 minutes of resting time are crucial for juicy chicken that shreds beautifully.
- Layer Properly: Keep the chicken in the center with vegetables around the edges for even cooking.
- Use Day-Old Rice: If you’re cooking rice specifically for this recipe, make it slightly undercooked and cool it before adding to the casserole to prevent mushiness.
How to Serve
Perfect Pairings
This casserole is wonderful on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with:
- A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing
- Steamed edamame with sea salt
- Miso soup for an authentic Japanese meal experience
Presentation Ideas
Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase all the colorful components. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions just before serving for maximum visual impact.
Sauce on the Side
Always offer extra teriyaki sauce at the table – some people love to add more as they eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making this perfect for meal prep!
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Portion into individual servings and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the vegetables might be slightly softer after thawing.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to revive the sauce and prevent drying out. Cover loosely and heat on medium power until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen stir-fry vegetables work perfectly in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them first—just add them frozen to the baking dish and they’ll cook as the casserole bakes. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the vegetable cooking time.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
The main concern for gluten is in the teriyaki sauce. Look for specifically labeled gluten-free teriyaki sauce or make your own using tamari instead of soy sauce. Also ensure your rice hasn’t been processed in a facility with gluten products.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can prepare all components ahead of time and assemble just before baking. Cook the rice, slice the vegetables, and mix your sauce up to 2 days before. Store everything separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.
My family loves spicy food—how can I add heat to this dish?
There are several ways to spice up this casserole! Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to your teriyaki sauce, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the vegetables before baking, or serve with sliced fresh jalapeños on top. You could also include some diced fresh ginger with the vegetables for a more warming heat.
This Teriyaki Chicken Casserole brings the vibrant flavors of your favorite takeout right to your dining table, with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. It’s the kind of recipe that will quickly become a regular in your meal rotation—simple enough for hectic weeknights yet tasty enough to serve to guests. The combination of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and that irresistible teriyaki glaze creates a meal that satisfies on every level. Give it a try tonight, and watch as it becomes your family’s new favorite casserole!
PrintTeriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40minutes
- Total Time: 45minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A delicious and simple one-pan Asian-inspired dish combining tender shredded chicken, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice all coated in a savory teriyaki glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a complete meal with minimal effort!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces pre-cut fresh stir-fry vegetables
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce, plus more for serving
- 3 cups cooked rice
- Olive oil spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray the bottom of a 9×13″ baking pan with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Arrange Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the middle of the prepared pan. Distribute the stir-fry vegetables along the sides of the chicken. Spray everything lightly with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Add Sauce and Cover: Pour 3/4-1 cup of teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and flavors during baking.
- Initial Baking: Bake covered for 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink inside.
- Finish Vegetables: Remove the pan from the oven. Take out the chicken and set aside to rest for 5 minutes. Stir the vegetables, then return the pan to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the vegetables are fork-tender.
- Combine All Components: Shred the rested chicken and return it to the pan with the vegetables. Add the cooked rice and drizzle with an additional 1/4-1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce. Gently mix everything to combine evenly.
- Final Baking: Return the pan to the oven for a final 5 minutes to warm everything through and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Portion into bowls, drizzle with additional teriyaki sauce if desired, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Teriyaki sauce recommendations: Trader Joe’s “Soyaki,” Panda Mandarin Teriyaki Sauce, or Soy Vey Veri Teriyaki work particularly well. Homemade teriyaki sauce is also an excellent option.
- Feel free to customize the vegetable mix with additions like sliced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Pre-cooked or leftover fried rice works wonderfully in this recipe and saves time.
- For a nutritional boost, consider adding broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to your vegetable mix.
- The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking for a quick meal prep solution.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg