I absolutely love how this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe combines the rich, savory flavors of homemade teriyaki sauce with tender, shredded chicken and vibrant stir-fry veggies—all baked together in one comforting dish. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for a weekend dinner but simple enough to pull together on a busy weeknight. The flavors meld effortlessly, making every bite something to look forward to.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how well the sauce thickened and coated the chicken and vegetables, giving the casserole a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. You’ll find that the combination of jasmine rice with the glossy, garlicky teriyaki sauce is a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to customize, which makes it perfect if you like tweaking recipes to suit your family’s tastes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks together in one baking dish, saving you time and cleanup.
- Flavor Packed: Homemade teriyaki sauce with fresh garlic and ginger makes every bite pop.
- Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this—it’s both comforting and satisfying.
- Versatile: You can swap in your favorite veggies or rice to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe are simple but carefully chosen—fresh aromatics and staples like soy sauce and brown sugar come together with frozen stir-fry veggies and jasmine rice to create a balanced flavor and texture. Keeping some basics on hand makes this a go-to for weeknights.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Use fresh or thawed for tenderness and easy shredding.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Balances saltiness without overpowering the dish.
- Water: Used to create the sauce and thicken it properly.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the sauce.
- Seasoned rice wine vinegar: Provides subtle tanginess for balance.
- Fresh garlic: Grated for a pungent, aromatic kick.
- Fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a bit of zing—don’t skip it!
- Sesame oil: A little goes a long way in adding nuttiness and depth.
- Cornstarch: Essential for thickening that gorgeous glossy sauce.
- Frozen stir-fry vegetables: Convenient and colorful, steamed just right.
- Cooked white jasmine rice: Fluffy and fragrant, the perfect base for soaking up sauce.
Variations
I love personalizing this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe depending on what’s in the fridge or my mood. Whether you want to add crunch, make it extra saucy, or switch up the protein, it’s flexible and forgiving—exactly what I need on busy days.
- Add a crunch: I once tossed in chopped water chestnuts to add a fun texture contrast—it was such a hit!
- Protein swap: Try replacing chicken with firm tofu or shrimp for a different twist.
- Veggie upgrades: Fresh bell peppers or snap peas work beautifully if you want an extra pop of color.
- Heat it up: Add a splash of sriracha or some red pepper flakes for a little kick.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a good spray with non-stick cooking spray. Lay your boneless skinless chicken breasts flat in the dish, making sure they aren’t overlapping—this helps them cook evenly and makes shredding a breeze later.
Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce on the Stove
In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, ⅔ cup water, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, fresh grated garlic and ginger, plus sesame oil. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks or burns. While you wait, whisk together cornstarch and the remaining 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl for your slurry—this will thicken the sauce perfectly.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce and Pour Over Chicken
Once the sauce boils, slowly whisk in your cornstarch slurry and keep whisking constantly for about 30 to 45 seconds until the sauce thickens to a shiny, glossy coat. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Pour 1 cup of this luscious teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Step 4: Bake and Shred the Chicken
Bake your chicken for 30-35 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. When it’s done, remove the foil carefully (watch out for steam), then shred the chicken right in the baking dish using two forks. I learned this trick from a friend—it saves so much cleanup!
Step 5: Mix in Veggies, Rice, and Sauce
Next, add your steamed frozen stir-fry vegetables, cooked jasmine rice, and the rest of the teriyaki sauce to the shredded chicken. Give everything a gentle but thorough stir to combine, ensuring each bite is saucy and full of flavor. Spread it evenly in the dish, and if you like, reserve a few tablespoons of sauce to drizzle over the top after baking.
Step 6: Final Bake and Serve
Return your casserole to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Just before serving, drizzle the reserved teriyaki sauce on top for a glossy finish that makes this dish look restaurant-quality but is all home-cooked love.
Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Evenly Spread Chicken: Make sure the chicken breasts lie flat and are spaced evenly for uniform baking and easy shredding.
- Whisk Constantly: When adding the cornstarch slurry, keep stirring so the sauce thickens smoothly without lumps.
- Reserve Sauce for Serving: Drizzling extra sauce on top right before serving amps up that glossy, appetizing look and flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid drying; invest in a meat thermometer for the perfect 165°F internal temp.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions on top of my Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe. Not only do they add a pop of color, but the sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and nuttiness, while the green onions bring a fresh bite that cuts through the richness nicely.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, I like to serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame. These lighter sides complement the bold teriyaki flavors without overwhelming the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins, topped with a little extra sauce and fresh cilantro leaves for a fancy flair. It’s a fun way to elevate the presentation but still keeps the casual, homey vibe I love about this dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Teriyaki Chicken Casserole in airtight containers in the fridge, and it usually lasts for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, so reheated portions taste just as good—if not better! Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Freezing works well with this casserole—I portion it into freezer-safe containers and it keeps great for up to 3 months. When freezing, try to reserve any fresh garnishes for after reheating so they stay vibrant and fresh.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, which keeps the casserole moist and evenly warm. If you’re in a hurry, microwave reheats fine too—just add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to keep it from drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and can add richer flavor to this casserole. Just adjust your cooking time slightly and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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What can I substitute for rice wine vinegar?
If you don’t have seasoned rice wine vinegar, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar plus a pinch of sugar to mimic the mild sweetness and acidity.
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Is it better to use fresh or frozen vegetables?
Frozen stir-fry vegetables are convenient and retain their texture well after steaming, making them a great option. Fresh veggies work too but may need slightly different cooking times.
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Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently and whisk before using to maintain that glossy texture.
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How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?
To avoid sogginess, make sure to steam the frozen vegetables properly and avoid overcooking the casserole. Also, spreading the ingredients evenly and not overloading the baking dish helps maintain texture.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want a dinner that’s wholesome, flavorful, and fuss-free. It’s that perfect blend of everyday comfort food with just enough care to impress family or friends. I encourage you to give it a try—once you do, I bet it’ll sneak its way into your regular meal rotation, just like it did with mine!
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: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
This comforting Teriyaki Chicken Casserole combines tender shredded chicken breasts with a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce, steamed stir-fry vegetables, and fluffy Jasmine rice. Baked to perfection for a warm, savory, and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
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 light brown sugar, packed
- 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)
Additional Ingredients
- 28.8 ounces (2 14.4-ounce bags) frozen stir-fry vegetables, steamed according to package directions
- 3 cups cooked white rice (Jasmine rice recommended, cooked according to package directions)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place chicken in dish: Arrange the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish and set aside.
- Make teriyaki sauce: In a medium 2-3 quart saucepan over medium-high heat, combine soy sauce, ⅔ cup water, light brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, grated garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally.
- Prepare cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of water with the cornstarch until smooth. This slurry is used to thicken the teriyaki sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: Once the sauce boils, whisk in the cornstarch slurry continuously. Cook for 30-45 seconds until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
- Pour sauce over chicken and bake: Pour 1 cup of the thickened teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Shred chicken: Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the baking dish while it is still hot.
- Combine casserole ingredients: Add the steamed stir-fry vegetables, cooked Jasmine rice, and the remaining teriyaki sauce to the shredded chicken. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Spread the mixture flat in the baking dish. Optionally, reserve 3-4 tablespoons of the remaining teriyaki sauce to drizzle on top later.
- Bake casserole to finish: Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Serve: Optionally drizzle the reserved teriyaki sauce over the casserole before serving for extra flavor and shine. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness in the dish.
- Grate fresh garlic and ginger for the best authentic flavor.
- Steaming frozen stir-fry vegetables prior to adding avoids sogginess in the casserole.
- Cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F ensures food safety.
- Shredding chicken directly in the baking dish minimizes cleanup and keeps juices intact.
- The teriyaki sauce thickens quickly once the cornstarch slurry is added—stir continuously to avoid lumps.
- To make this dish gluten free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Leftovers reheat well covered in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 ½ cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg