Oh, I absolutely love this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe because it hits that perfect blend of savory and sweet, all baked into a comforting, easy-to-make dinner. It’s an absolute weeknight winner when you want something flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s flexible enough to feed a family or create leftovers for the next day’s lunch that you’ll actually look forward to.
When I first tried this casserole, I was amazed at how the tender shredded chicken mingled with the glossy teriyaki sauce and crisp-tender vegetables, all over fluffy jasmine rice. You’ll find that it takes all the best notes of classic teriyaki dishes but brings them together in a hands-off, one-dish meal that’s both satisfying and simple. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a go-to in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Hands-Off: You can prep and bake this casserole with minimal fuss, perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor-Packed Sauce: The homemade teriyaki glaze is glossy, thick, and just the right balance of sweet and savory.
- Versatile and Family-Friendly: It pleases all ages and is easy to customize with your favorite veggies or rice varieties.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can make it ahead, store leftovers, and it reheats beautifully without losing flavor or texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe work together to create that classic teriyaki flavor with a gorgeous, sticky sauce. Fresh garlic and ginger give a fragrant boost while frozen stir-fry veggies keep things easy and colorful.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose large, even-sized breasts for consistent cooking and easy shredding.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Using low sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness and lets the other flavors shine.
- Water: Divided to make the sauce and the cornstarch slurry—don’t skip the slurry for that perfect glaze.
- Light brown sugar: Adds that deep, molasses-y sweetness essential for teriyaki.
- Seasoned rice wine vinegar: Provides a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Fresh garlic and ginger: Freshly grated gives more brightness and aroma compared to powders.
- Sesame oil: Just a touch adds nuttiness and authentic Asian flair.
- Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce to glossy perfection.
- Frozen stir-fry vegetables: A convenient mix of crisp-tender veggies that keep their color and texture after steaming.
- Cooked jasmine rice: Fluffy and fragrant, it’s the ideal bed for the saucy chicken and veggies.
Variations
I love that you can tweak this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe to suit whatever you have on hand or your personal preferences. Don’t be shy about mixing up the veggies or even swapping the chicken for another protein. This recipe is a great canvas.
- Vegetable swap: I sometimes use fresh broccoli, snap peas, or even bell peppers to vary the texture and flavor.
- Protein variation: I’ve made this with shredded rotisserie chicken when I’m short on time, and it’s a total lifesaver.
- Rice alternatives: Feel free to use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a different nutrition profile.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce can add a nice kick if you like it spicy.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and spraying a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Lay the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly in the dish and set aside while you make the teriyaki sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, 2/3 cup water, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, grated garlic and ginger, and sesame oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until it starts to boil.
Step 2: Thicken Your Teriyaki Sauce
While the sauce is heating up, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of water with the cornstarch in a small bowl to make a slurry. Once the sauce boils, add the slurry and whisk constantly to avoid lumps. Keep cooking for about 30 to 45 seconds until the sauce thickens and looks glossy—think of a rich glaze that sticks to the back of your spoon. This step is key for that perfect coating texture.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Pour one cup of the thickened teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and let it bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it’s fully cooked but still juicy. Try to resist peeking too often — the foil keeps the moisture in, making shredding much easier afterward.
Step 4: Shred and Mix Everything Together
When the chicken is done, carefully remove the foil (watch out for hot steam) and shred the breasts directly in the baking dish with two forks. This warm chicken shreds beautifully without falling apart into mush. Then, add your steamed stir-fry vegetables, cooked jasmine rice, and the remaining teriyaki sauce to the dish. Give everything a gentle but thorough stir to combine the flavors evenly.
Step 5: Final Bake and Serve
Spread the mixture out evenly in your baking dish and return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes to heat through. If you reserved some teriyaki sauce earlier, drizzle it over the top right before serving for that extra gloss and flavor hit. And just like that, you have a gorgeous, comforting casserole ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: The fresh ingredients add brightness that powdered versions just can’t match.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch Slurry: It’s the magic for turning your sauce thick and shiny instead of watery.
- Let Chicken Rest After Baking: Shredding right away while hot makes it easier and keeps the texture tender.
- Reserve Sauce for Serving: Drizzling extra teriyaki on top right before serving elevates flavor and appearance beautifully.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve this casserole, I love topping it with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a subtle crunch and a pop of contrast. Sliced green onions add fresh, vibrant color and a mild sharpness that balances the richness perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, a little drizzle of sriracha mayo can give it an irresistible spicy-creamy kick.
Side Dishes
I usually keep sides light and simple here – a crisp Asian-inspired cucumber salad or a bowl of steamed edamame pairs beautifully without overwhelming the flavors. Sometimes, a quick miso soup on the side makes it feel more like a full-scale dinner experience, especially on cooler evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered this casserole in individual ramekins topped with extra sesame seeds and a small sprig of cilantro for individual servings that look charming and elegant. You could also serve it in pretty ceramic bowls with chopsticks for a fun, casual dinner party vibe. It’s one of those recipes that adapts well whether it’s a family meal or a cozy date night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In my experience, the casserole keeps its texture and flavor up to 3 days, making it perfect for prepping meals in advance. Just be sure to cool it down fully before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the casserole, I recommend doing so before the final bake step. Cover it tightly with foil, freeze for up to 2 months, and then bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra time to cook through. This trick saves so much time and keeps your dinners stress-free during busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, I like warming individual servings in the microwave, adding a splash of water or reserved teriyaki sauce to keep it moist. Alternatively, reheating gently in a skillet over medium heat works well to revive the veggies’ texture. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the chicken.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a little longer to reach 165°F internal temperature. Either boneless or bone-in thighs work, but boneless is easier for shredding.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Swap the chicken for extra firm tofu or tempeh, marinating it in the teriyaki sauce before baking. You can then combine it with stir-fried vegetables and rice just like the original. It makes a hearty, plant-based alternative that still delivers great texture and flavor.
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Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you make it ahead, just warm it gently before adding to the chicken to re-activate that glossy, thick texture.
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What type of rice works best for this casserole?
Jasmine rice is my favorite here due to its fluffy texture and subtle aroma, but you could also use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just cook the rice according to package instructions before assembling the casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it turns dinner into a comforting flavor celebration with minimal effort. I love how it makes the classic teriyaki flavors so approachable and hands-off—perfect for busy days or when you want a no-fail crowd-pleaser. Give it a try soon, and I promise you’ll be inviting this recipe back into your routine again and again, just like I do!
PrintTeriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 2 ½ cups each)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Teriyaki Chicken Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender shredded chicken breasts baked in a homemade glossy teriyaki sauce, combined with steamed stir-fry vegetables and fluffy jasmine rice. Perfect for a wholesome family dinner, the casserole is easy to prepare with a savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar, baked to perfection for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 2 large breasts)
Teriyaki Sauce
- 2/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2/3 cup water (for sauce)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons seasoned rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh garlic
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
Other Ingredients
- 28.8 ounces (2 14.4-ounce bags) frozen stir-fry vegetables, steamed according to package directions
- 3 cups cooked white jasmine rice, cooked according to package directions
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and place the boneless skinless chicken breasts inside. Set aside.
- Make the teriyaki sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the low sodium soy sauce, ⅔ cup water, light brown sugar, seasoned rice wine vinegar, grated garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Create the cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of water with the cornstarch until smooth. This slurry will thicken the sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: Once the sauce reaches a boil, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while whisking constantly. Continue cooking and whisking for 30-45 seconds until the sauce turns thick and glossy, coating the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
- Bake the chicken: Pour 1 cup of the prepared teriyaki sauce over the raw chicken breasts in the baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Shred the chicken: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and discard the foil. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the dish while it is still hot, being cautious of the heat.
- Combine casserole ingredients: Add the steamed stir-fry vegetables, cooked jasmine rice, and the remaining teriyaki sauce (except for about 3-4 tablespoons reserved for drizzling) to the shredded chicken. Gently stir everything together until well combined and evenly distributed.
- Bake the casserole: Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish and return it to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Optionally drizzle the reserved teriyaki sauce over the top of the casserole before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can steam the frozen stir-fry vegetables according to package instructions before adding them to the casserole for best texture.
- Reserve some teriyaki sauce to drizzle on top of the finished casserole for extra flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat thoroughly before serving.
- For gluten-free options, substitute low sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 ½ cups)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg