If you love bold, savory flavors with just the right balance of sweet and tangy, this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Think tender chicken, sticky-sweet teriyaki sauce, and a cheesy, creamy casserole base that holds it all together. Trust me, this dish is the comfort food you’ve been craving, and it’s so easy to make, too!
Why You’ll Love Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
This recipe isn’t just about feeding your stomach—it’s about feeding your soul. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful teriyaki, and the perfect casserole texture will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds). Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with this dish:
Versatile: It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck that will have everyone asking for your recipe. Plus, it’s equally satisfying on a busy weeknight as it is for a weekend get-together.
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple, affordable, and likely already sitting in your pantry. No need for pricey extras—this dish proves that delicious meals can be made without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: With just a few easy steps, you’ll have this dish on the table in no time. No complicated cooking techniques—just straightforward instructions anyone can follow.
Customizable: Want to add more veggies? Go for it! Love a little heat? A dash of chili flakes will do wonders. This recipe lets you personalize it to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s always a hit with both kids and adults, making it the perfect choice for large gatherings or family meals. The rich, savory flavor and comforting texture will make everyone at the table happy.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy, delicious casserole:
Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy chicken breasts that soak up the teriyaki flavor and stay moist during baking.
Teriyaki Sauce: The star of the show! A rich, sweet, and savory sauce that brings everything together and adds that signature flavor.
Rice: Fluffy rice that soaks up all the sauce, making every bite savory and satisfying.
Cheese: A blend of cheeses that melts perfectly into the casserole, adding that creamy texture and delicious cheesy goodness.
Vegetables: Typically, peas and carrots or any veggies you like to add color and extra nutrition.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking and create this flavor-packed casserole:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to make sure your casserole cooks evenly and the cheese gets all bubbly and golden.
Cook the Chicken: Dice your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fully cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the Rice: While the chicken is cooking, prepare your rice according to the package instructions. It’s important to use cooked rice so that it absorbs the teriyaki sauce perfectly.
Mix the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, teriyaki sauce, and any veggies you’re using. Stir in half of the shredded cheese. This mixture will be the base of your casserole, so make sure everything is well-coated in the delicious sauce.
Assemble the Dish: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top to create a cheesy, golden crust when baked.
Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned on top.
Finishing Touches: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes once it’s out of the oven. This will allow everything to set and make it easier to serve.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve this tasty casserole with your favorite side dishes, or enjoy it all on its own. Either way, it’s bound to be a hit!
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
This casserole pairs wonderfully with several sides and can be served in a variety of ways to make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are a few ideas:
Green Salads: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of this casserole.
Garlic Bread: The cheesy, savory casserole goes perfectly with warm garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy and vibrant addition to your meal.
Rice: If you love rice, try serving this casserole with a side of steamed jasmine or basmati rice to add a little extra texture.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make sure your Teriyaki Chicken Casserole turns out perfect every time:
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping your chicken and prepping your rice ahead of time. Store everything in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha to give it a kick.
Dietary Adjustments: For a lighter version, you can use brown rice or cauliflower rice. For a dairy-free option, swap the cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep that cheesy topping intact.
Double the Recipe: This dish freezes beautifully! Make a double batch, and freeze one for later. You’ll be glad you did when you’re looking for a quick meal on a busy day.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
A1: Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken, just make sure to thaw it fully before cooking.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare it up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Yes! This casserole freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
Q6: Can I use another type of sauce?
A6: Yes! If you’re not a fan of teriyaki, you can swap it out for barbecue sauce or sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile.
Q7: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A7: Absolutely! Brown rice works just as well and adds a little more texture to the dish.
Q8: How long should I cook the chicken?
A8: Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Q9: Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
A9: Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas—whatever veggies you love!
Q10: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A10: Yes, you can! Simply cook the chicken and rice, then mix everything together and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Conclusion
This Teriyaki Chicken Casserole is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that’s great for busy days or when you want something comforting but full of flavor. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a meal that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds!
PrintTeriyaki Chicken Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make casserole, this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole is packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and rice, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed chicken and vegetables, and teriyaki sauce. Stir to coat everything well.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add Protein: Add some cooked shrimp or tofu for extra protein.
- Make it Spicy: Add a few dashes of sriracha or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Make it Vegan: Use tofu instead of chicken and dairy-free cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg