Teriyaki Chicken Casserole

What ingredients are in teriyaki chicken casserole?

In order to cook up this casserole-style version of takeout food favorites, you’ll need to collect the following ingredients:

• Low Sodium Soy Sauce: A less salty version of traditional soy sauce, used for adding a deep, umami flavor to dishes.
• Water: Plays a dual role in this recipe—part of it combines with soy sauce and other ingredients to create the teriyaki sauce, and a small portion is mixed with cornstarch to make a slurry, which thickens the sauce.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the savory and salty flavors of the teriyaki sauce. Its molasses content contributes to the sauce’s rich color and depth of flavor.
• Honey: Introduces a natural sweetness and a slight glossy finish to the teriyaki sauce, complementing the brown sugar and adding complexity to the sauce’s flavor profile.
• Ground Ginger: Offers a warm, spicy kick to the teriyaki sauce, enhancing its overall taste with a subtle, spicy undertone.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Used in minimal quantity to sauté the garlic, providing a base flavor for the teriyaki sauce. Its rich taste also adds a slight depth to the sauce’s profile.
• Fresh Minced Garlic: Garlic cloves that have been finely chopped, adding a pungent, aromatic flavor.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the teriyaki sauce. When mixed with water to form a slurry and added to the boiling sauce, it helps achieve the desired glossy and thick consistency.
• Chicken Breasts: A lean cut of chicken, known for its mild flavor and versatility in recipes.
• Fried Rice: Provides the starchy base of the dish, incorporating leftovers or homemade fried rice adds texture, flavor, and a satisfying element that complements the teriyaki chicken and vegetables. You can use leftover egg fried rice or your own homemade fried rice.
• Mixed Vegetables: Add color, texture, and nutritional value to the dish. Whether precooked or freshly prepared, they ensure the dish is well-rounded, offering a variety of flavors and a burst of freshness.

What’s so great about this casserole?

Teriyaki chicken casserole is a delicious way to make your favorite takeout food yourself at home. Full of vegetables, chicken, and fried rice, it is as balanced as it is tasty and a perfect dinner choice for any night of the week.

How long is it good for?

Once prepared, the casserole can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Can you freeze it?

Yes! And in fact, this is one of the best things about this recipe!

Casseroles, in general, are noteworthy because they make big batches that freeze well. To do this, just follow these steps:

• Allow the casserole to cool completely after cooking.
• Wrap the casserole dish tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil. If your dish is not freezer-safe, transfer the cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, then cover it securely with a lid or wrap it in an additional layer of foil. If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to minimize the risk of freezer burn.
• Teriyaki chicken casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Note: When ready to eat, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating this casserole

• Refrigerator Thawing: Transfer the casserole from the freezer to the refrigerator at least 24 hours before you plan to reheat it. This slow thawing process helps preserve the dish’s texture and flavor.
• Ready to Reheat: Once thawed, remove the casserole from the refrigerator, discard the foil or any wrapping used for freezing, and cover it with a fresh layer of foil. Preheat your oven and reheat the casserole until it’s heated through.

Step 1 – Prepare the teriyaki sauce by adding soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, ginger, extra-virgin olive oil, and garlic to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Step 2 – While the sauce simmers, create some slurry by mixing the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water.

Step 3 – Add the slurry to the teriyaki mixture, cooking and mixing until the sauce begins to thicken (should take about one minute). Remove the sauce from heat and set it aside.

Step 4 – Place chicken breasts in a 9×13 baking dish (or similar size), then drizzle some of the homemade teriyaki sauce on top (don’t use all the sauce – more will be added later). Bake chicken while preparing the next two steps.

Step 5 – If adding veggies, prepare them per the package instructions (boiling or microwaving should be fine).

Step 6 – Have leftover fried rice ready to use. OR, If making your own fried rice (I highly recommend this recipe, with some adjustments [see full recipe below]), prepare per instructions while chicken cooks.

Step 7 – Remove chicken from the oven and use two forks to shred it.

Step 8 – Add the fried rice and veggies to the baking dish with the chicken, then drizzle teriyaki sauce on top. Mix all ingredients together until everything is coated with sauce.

Step 9 – Bake the casserole for another 15 minutes.

Step 10 – Remove from oven and drizzle more sauce on top.

Step 11 – Serve and enjoy!