Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, 1/2 cup water, brown sugar, ground ginger, and minced garlic. Cover and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove the lid and cook for one additional minute.
Thicken the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Once the sauce is boiling, add this mixture to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat.
Prepare the Chicken and Veggies: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking pan. Scatter the stir-fry vegetables around the chicken.
Combine and Bake: Pour one cup of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and veggies. Cover the dish tightly with foil, then bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Using two forks, shred the chicken while it's still in the dish.
Add Rice: Add the cooked rice to the casserole dish, along with most of the remaining teriyaki sauce (reserving a bit for drizzling on top when serving). Gently toss together until evenly combined.
Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes or until everything is heated through. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
What to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Casserole With
To enhance your Teriyaki Chicken Casserole experience, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad drizzled with sesame dressing. Alternatively, serve it alongside some steamed edamame for a delightful crunch. For drinks, a light iced tea or sparkling water can act as the perfect refreshing complement to this hearty dish. Whatever you choose, these sides will elevate your meal to a new level!
Top Tips for Perfecting Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
Ingredient Substitution: If you’re not a fan of certain vegetables in your stir-fry mix, feel free to swap in your favorites! Bell peppers or snap peas work wonderfully as alternatives.
Don’t Overcook Chicken: When grilling, ensure that the chicken is cooked to a juicy 165°F to avoid dryness.
Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer before adding it to the casserole.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers are perfect for busy weeknight dinners! Store your Teriyaki Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions. Enjoy a home-cooked meal any night of the week!