Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is loaded with flavor but made with healthy, simple ingredients. The homemade teriyaki sauce is lower in sugar and sodium than store-bought versions, while the combination of chicken, vegetables, and rice makes it a balanced, filling meal. It’s great for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just making dinner a breeze with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
- Cooked brown or white rice
- Broccoli florets
- Carrots, thinly sliced or shredded
- Peas or green beans (optional)
- Soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce)
- Honey or maple syrup
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated or ground
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir into the sauce. Cook, stirring often, until thickened.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, and vegetables. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Use quinoa instead of rice for added protein and fiber.
- Swap the chicken for tofu, shrimp, or leftover turkey.
- Add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
- Include other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Make it spicy by adding sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
This casserole also freezes well. Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, you can use a store-bought sauce, but homemade offers better control over ingredients and flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it up to a day in advance and bake when ready.
Do I have to cook the rice before baking?
Yes, using pre-cooked rice ensures even baking and the right texture.
What type of chicken works best?
Shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or baked chicken all work well.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, thaw and pat dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Omit the chicken and replace with tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
What sides go well with this dish?
A light side salad or steamed edamame pairs nicely.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans and adjust baking time as needed.
Can I use cauliflower rice?
Yes, but reduce the baking time slightly as cauliflower rice cooks faster and can get soggy.
Conclusion
Teriyaki Chicken Casserole is a flavorful, family-friendly dish that combines the ease of a casserole with the bold taste of teriyaki. Packed with protein, vegetables, and whole grains, it’s a balanced meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for the week or serving up dinner in a hurry, this casserole is a crowd-pleasing solution that keeps things simple and satisfying.
PrintTeriyaki Chicken Casserole
Teriyaki Chicken Casserole is a flavorful and wholesome one-dish meal made with juicy chicken, vegetables, rice, and a homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s easy to prepare, great for meal prep, and a healthier take on takeout-inspired comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 cups cooked brown or white rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1/2 cup peas or green beans (optional)
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated or ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir into the sauce. Cook, stirring often, until thickened. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked rice, broccoli, carrots, and peas or green beans (if using).
- Pour the teriyaki sauce over the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Frozen veggies can be used—just thaw and drain well first.
- Quinoa can be used instead of rice for added protein.
- Add pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Great for make-ahead and freezer meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg