Zesty Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights

Sizzling skillets and cozy dinner tables come alive with this mouthwatering teriyaki chicken and rice casserole that promises comfort in every single bite.

The classic Japanese-inspired flavors dance seamlessly through tender chicken pieces nestled among fluffy rice grains.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this simple yet delectable meal.

Packed with savory teriyaki sauce and perfectly seasoned ingredients, the casserole delivers a satisfying punch of umami flavor.

Each forkful tells a story of culinary harmony, blending sweet and tangy notes that will make taste buds sing.

Home cooks can easily master this one-pan wonder that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Dive into this recipe and discover a new family favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 365 kcal

Servings: 7

Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Casserole Ingredients

• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami flavor and saltiness, choose low-sodium for healthier option.
• Brown Sugar: Adds rich caramel sweetness, select fine-grain for smooth dissolution.
• Honey: Creates glossy texture and natural sweetness, use raw honey for enhanced flavor.
• Ginger: Brings warm, spicy undertone, select fresh root for most vibrant taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend ingredients smoothly, choose extra virgin for best quality.
• Garlic: Adds pungent depth, fresh cloves provide more intense flavor.
• Cornstarch: Thickens sauce perfectly, ensures smooth and glossy consistency.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base, select fresh or frozen boneless cuts.
• Frozen Vegetables: Quick nutrition boost, choose mixed vegetable blend.
• Pineapple: Adds tropical sweetness and brightness, use canned or fresh chunks.

• Brown Rice: Wholesome grain foundation, select whole grain variety for maximum nutrients.

Tools You’ll Need for Teriyaki Chicken Casserole

• Casserole dish (9×13-inch): Perfect for baking and serving your entire meal.
• Small saucepan: Essential for creating smooth, delicious teriyaki sauce.
• Small bowl: Great for mixing cornstarch slurry and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate sauce and ingredient measurements.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir sauce and mix casserole ingredients.
• Knife: Needed for shredding chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Teriyaki Casserole

Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Teriyaki Sauce Creation

Whip up a delightful homemade sauce by combining soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, ginger, olive oil, and garlic in a saucepan. Heat until the mixture bubbles and sugar melts completely.

• Sauce Thickening

Create a magical cornstarch mixture to transform the sauce into a luxurious coating. Slowly stir the cornstarch blend into the boiling sauce until it reaches a perfect glossy consistency.

• Chicken Preparation

Nestle chicken breasts into a baking dish and generously coat them with the teriyaki sauce. Let the oven work its magic at a cozy 350°F, allowing the chicken to become tender and flavorful.

• Shredding and Mixing

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, shred it into bite-sized pieces right in the baking dish. Prepare your favorite vegetables and rice to join the flavor party.

• Casserole Assembly

Bring everything together by combining the shredded chicken, cooked vegetables, sweet pineapple chunks, and fluffy rice. Drizzle with additional teriyaki sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

• Final Bake

Give the casserole a final warm-up in the oven, allowing all the delicious ingredients to mingle and create a mouthwatering masterpiece. Serve hot and enjoy the burst of teriyaki goodness!

Teriyaki Casserole Variations and Ideas

• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the teriyaki sauce and cook chicken a day ahead, storing separately in the refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weeknights.
• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with tofu, salmon, or shrimp for a delightful twist that keeps the dish exciting and suits different dietary preferences.
• Veggie Boost: Experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers, edamame, or roasted zucchini to increase nutrition and add vibrant colors to the casserole.
• Spice Adventure: Sprinkle red pepper flakes, drizzle sriracha, or add a dash of sesame oil for those craving an extra kick of heat and complex flavor profiles.
• Leftover Love: Transform remaining casserole into a next-day lunch by wrapping in a tortilla for a teriyaki-style burrito or tossing over fresh salad greens for a quick meal remix.

Serving Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Family-Style

• Party Platter Presentation: Serve the casserole in a large, colorful ceramic dish with small side bowls of extra teriyaki sauce and chopped green onions for guests to customize their servings.
• Fresh Garnish Boost: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, finely sliced green onions, and crispy fried wonton strips on top to add crunch and visual appeal to the dish.
• Family-Style Serving Suggestion: Place the hot casserole directly on the dining table with wooden serving spoons, allowing everyone to help themselves and enjoy the warm, comforting meal together.
• Creative Leftover Hack: Transform remaining casserole into delicious wraps by using large lettuce leaves or tortillas, adding extra vegetables, and drizzling with remaining teriyaki sauce for a quick lunch option.

Storing Leftover Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and divide into individual meal prep containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Each portion stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool the casserole completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Tightly sealed meals can last up to 2 months when stored at 0°F. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.
• Ingredient Separation Trick: Store cooked rice, chicken, and vegetables separately to maintain optimal freshness. This method prevents soggy textures and allows flexible reheating options.
• Quick Reheating Method: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to prevent drying. Stir midway through heating to ensure even temperature distribution.

Hearty Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty teriyaki chicken and rice casserole delivers classic Asian-inspired comfort with tender chicken and savory sauce. Quick weeknight meal combines simple ingredients for a satisfying dinner you can confidently prepare and enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ¾ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup water
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tbsp honey
• ¾ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• 2 tbsps water
• 32 oz (907 g) frozen mixed vegetables (unsauced Asian varieties)
• 1 cup pineapple tidbits (drained, packed in juice)
• 3 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 tsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, ginger, olive oil, and minced garlic in a saucepan until sugar dissolves completely.
2. Thickening Process: Create a cornstarch slurry by blending cornstarch with water, then gradually incorporate into the simmering sauce, stirring until the mixture becomes glossy and thickens.
3. Initial Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F and place raw chicken breasts in a casserole dish, thoroughly coating with teriyaki sauce.
4. Chicken Cooking: Roast chicken for 30-35 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then shred into bite-sized pieces within the baking dish.
5. Side Preparation: Cook brown rice and steam frozen vegetable medley according to package instructions, ensuring precise cooking times.
6. Flavor Fusion: Combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, vegetables, and pineapple chunks in the casserole, mixing with most of the remaining teriyaki sauce.
7. Final Baking: Return casserole to oven, warming for 15 minutes to blend flavors, then finish with a final drizzle of teriyaki sauce before serving.

Notes

• Master Sauce Consistency: Whisk ingredients thoroughly and simmer slowly to prevent burning, ensuring sugar dissolves completely for a smooth, glossy teriyaki base.
• Perfect Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature, preventing dryness while guaranteeing safe consumption.
• Rice and Vegetable Timing: Cook rice and vegetables separately to maintain individual texture and prevent mushiness in the final casserole.
• Flavor Layering Technique: Drizzle sauce gradually during cooking stages to build depth, allowing each ingredient to absorb teriyaki’s sweet and savory notes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg