Some recipes are the perfect combination of convenience and taste and Chicken Teriyaki Casserole is one of those dishes. It’s a hearty chicken, fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and a savory teriyaki sauce all in one baking dish for a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Skip the juggling of pots and pans, and just throw everything in one casserole dish, pop it in the oven and let dinner take care of itself.
The first time I made this recipe I wanted something different from our usual chicken dinners. We love takeout teriyaki but I wanted the same sweet and savory flavors in a homemade meal. The casserole, a concoction of cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, carrots and an easy teriyaki sauce, simmered with flavor, and was finished with toasted sesame seeds. It fell off the table a lot quicker than I thought it would.
Since then, it’s become one of my favorite quick weeknight meals. It’s filling, quick to prepare and a good way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.
If you are looking for easy chicken casserole recipes, healthy family dinners, high protein meals, meal prep recipes, easy weeknight dinners or oven baked chicken recipes then this Chicken Teriyaki Casserole is a must in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This
- This is a casserole that ticks all the boxes for a busy home cook.
- It all comes together quickly.
- It uses ingredients you have on hand.
- There is very little cleanup.
- Every bite is a mouthful of juicy chicken, tender vegetables, fluffy rice, and a glossy teriyaki sauce that coats each ingredient without being heavy.
- Even the pickiest eaters usually enjoy the familiar sweet and savory flavor.
- That’s a win for any family dinner.
INGREDIENTS:
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients.
- 3 cups chicken, cooked and diced or shredded
- 3 cups cooked brown rice or white rice
- 2 c. broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1½ cups teriyaki sauce (see note)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
Fresh vegetables add color, texture and nutrition without upsetting the balance of the casserole.
How to make a chicken teriyaki casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375° F.
- Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking pan.
- Add cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, carrots and teriyaki sauce to a large mixing bowl.
- Stir until all ingredients are coated.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread evenly.
- Sprinkle evenly with the shredded cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted completely.
- Remove the casserole from the oven;
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve warm.
Why This Recipe Is Awesome
- With a single, simple ingredient, teriyaki sauce combines sweet, savory and a little tangy.
- The rice will absorb some of the sauce while the casserole is baking and the chicken will be juicy.
- The vegetables get nice and soft but don’t lose all of their texture, making for a satisfying meal that doesn’t feel too rich.
- The melted cheese may seem odd but it gives a nice creamy finish that goes well with the teriyaki flavors.
Ideal for Busy Weeknights
- Sometimes there’s not very much time to cook.
- That’s when this recipe really shines.
- This can be prepared in less than fifteen minutes if you have cooked rice and chicken.
- Rotisserie chicken is especially good, and makes dinner even easier.
- While the casserole is baking, you can prepare tomorrow’s lunch, help with homework or just chill for a few minutes.
- It doesn’t always take extra effort to make your own meals.
Easy Ways to Personalize
- This casserole invites lots of variations.
- Substitute snow peas or green beans for broccoli.
- Add some diced bell peppers for color.
- For a more savory flavor, add mushrooms.
- Use brown rice or jasmine rice, whichever you like.
- For a little heat, stir a teaspoon of sriracha into the teriyaki sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top of the finished casserole.
- A few chopped cashews or roasted peanuts give a pleasing crunch as well.
What goes best with it
- This casserole is great on its own as a complete meal, but a couple of easy sides make dinner even better.
- Serve with steamed edamame, cucumber salad, roasted asparagus, or Asian style slaw
- The fresh pineapple is a natural balance to the savory teriyaki sauce.
- Serving a crowd? Warm dinner rolls or crisp egg rolls are nice additions to the menu.
Meal Prep and Storage
- Chicken Teriyaki Casserole stores well.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven until heated through.
- It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Divide leftover food into meal prep containers, adding extra vegetables for easy lunches during the week.
- The flavors keep improving over night and the leftovers are just as good as the first serving.
Conclusion
Chicken Teriyaki Casserole is a great example of how homemade comfort food can be fresh, flavorful and easy to make. Tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, fluffy rice and a rich teriyaki sauce all come together in one baking pan for a meal the whole family will love.
Whatever your needs, whether you’re looking for easy chicken casserole recipes, healthy dinner ideas, high protein family meals, meal prep recipes, easy weeknight dinners, or comfort food with an Asian-inspired twist, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. Make it once and you’ll have a go-to dinner that’s as practical as it is delicious.
