Looking for a cozy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love? Teriyaki Chicken Casserole is here to save the day! With its perfect balance of tender chicken, savory teriyaki sauce, and comforting rice or noodles, this casserole is a delicious twist on classic comfort food. Whether you’re in the mood for a weeknight dinner or preparing for a potluck, this recipe will check all the boxes.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
Before diving into the directions, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this tasty dish:
Chicken Breast or Thighs
The main protein in this casserole is chicken, which you can choose to cook using either chicken breast or thighs. Breasts are leaner, while thighs provide a richer, juicier flavor.
Teriyaki Sauce
The magic of this casserole lies in its sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own with soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
Vegetables
Teriyaki chicken casseroles often include vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. These add texture, color, and nutrients. Feel free to customize based on your preferences.
Rice or Noodles
You’ll need a base to absorb all that delicious sauce, and rice or noodles are perfect for this. Jasmine rice works wonderfully, but you can also try brown rice or even ramen noodles for a twist.
Cheese and Other Toppings
Cheese, like shredded mozzarella or cheddar, adds a melty, golden finish. Additionally, you can top your casserole with sesame seeds or green onions for extra flavor and texture.
Directions to Make Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
Once you have all your ingredients prepared, it’s time to begin cooking! Follow these easy steps to create a mouthwatering teriyaki chicken casserole:
Preparing the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized cubes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then sauté the chicken in a hot pan with a bit of oil until fully cooked. Set aside.
Preparing the Vegetables
While your chicken is cooking, chop your vegetables. You can use fresh broccoli, bell peppers, onions, and carrots—whatever you have on hand. Lightly steam or stir-fry these until tender but still crisp.
Assembling the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, vegetables, and rice or noodles. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly.
Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and top with your choice of cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Baking the Casserole
Once your casserole is ready, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to settle and enhances the overall texture.
Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
To ensure your casserole is nothing short of amazing, here are some expert tips:
Using the Right Type of Rice
If you opt for rice, try using jasmine rice for a fragrant base. Its slightly sticky texture helps the sauce cling to each grain, giving your casserole the perfect balance.
How to Make Your Own Teriyaki Sauce
If you want to take your casserole up a notch, consider making your own teriyaki sauce. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a pan and simmer until it thickens.
Adjusting Seasoning to Taste
Everyone’s taste is different, so feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, or a dash of chili flakes for spice. Make it your own!
Adding Extra Protein or Vegetables
Feel free to switch things up by adding extra protein like shrimp or tofu, or even extra veggies like snap peas or baby corn. The casserole is versatile and customizable!
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
When it comes to serving, here are some tips to make your dish shine:
Pairing with Side Dishes
Teriyaki chicken casserole is hearty on its own, but if you want to serve it with something extra, try a light salad or some crispy garlic bread. The contrast in textures is fantastic!
Presentation Tips
For a professional touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions on top before serving. Not only does this add a pop of color, but it enhances the flavor profile as well.
When to Serve
This casserole is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s an easy way to feed a crowd without much fuss!
How to Store and Reheat Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and reheat your casserole for later enjoyment:
Storing Leftovers
Keep the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s fully cooled before placing it in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Reheating Tips to Keep It Fresh
Reheat your casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help keep the top crispy.
Freezing for Future Meals
If you want to make the casserole ahead of time, freeze it in an airtight container or foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it directly from frozen, but allow an extra 30-40 minutes for cooking time.
Conclusion
Teriyaki Chicken Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is sure to satisfy everyone at your dinner table. With its savory chicken, flavorful teriyaki sauce, and comforting rice or noodles, it checks all the boxes for a satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a busy weeknight or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is always a crowd-pleaser. So, get cooking and enjoy a comforting meal that’s full of flavor!
FAQs
1. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes! If you prefer a slow cooker, you can add all your ingredients (including the chicken, vegetables, and sauce) and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Just add the cheese in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
2. Can I substitute the chicken with tofu?
Absolutely! Tofu is a great vegetarian alternative. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cube it and sauté before adding it to the casserole.
3. Is it possible to make the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for 1-2 days before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat!
4. What if I don’t like broccoli, can I use something else?
Feel free to swap out broccoli for another vegetable you enjoy, such as zucchini, peas, or spinach.
5. How spicy is this dish?
This dish isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add some chili flakes or hot sauce
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Teriyaki Chicken Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish made with shredded chicken, rice, vegetables, and a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce, all baked together with a cheesy, golden top. It’s a quick, easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, frozen peas and carrots, diced onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken and rice blend, stirring until everything is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crispy topping.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice for a healthier option.
- For a lower-sodium version, use reduced-sodium soy sauce.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg