Baked Teriyaki Chicken & Rice Casserole – A Family Favorite!

Name: Baked Teriyaki Chicken & Rice Casserole – A Family Favorite!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; Cooked white rice; Broccoli florets; Carrots, thinly sliced; Red bell pepper, chopped; Frozen peas; Soy sauce; Honey; Rice vinegar; Garlic cloves, minced; Fresh ginger, grated; Cornstarch; Water; Sesame oil; Green onions, sliced; Sesame seeds

Hi I'm Benjamin

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on February 4, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, hearty casserole, and when you add the rich, umami-packed flavors of teriyaki sauce, it takes the dish to another level. Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Casserole is a one-pan wonder that combines juicy chicken, tender rice, and crisp vegetables with a homemade teriyaki sauce that strikes the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy.

This dish is not just delicious and satisfying but also nutritious and family-friendly. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a potluck gathering, or a meal prep solution, this Japanese-inspired casserole delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.

Why This Dish Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Collection

1. A One-Dish Meal for Easy Prep and Cleanup

Nobody likes washing multiple pots and pans after dinner. This casserole allows you to combine everything into one baking dish, making cleanup quick and effortless.

2. Perfectly Balanced Flavors

Teriyaki sauce is known for its harmonious blend of sweet and savory. The mix of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger creates a deep, caramelized glaze that coats every bite of chicken, rice, and veggies.

3. A Nutritional Powerhouse

Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich rice, and a variety of vegetables, this dish is a well-balanced meal that provides essential vitamins and minerals.

4. Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This casserole stores well and reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping. The flavors continue to develop over time, making leftovers even more delicious.

5. Kid-Friendly and Customizable

The slightly sweet and savory profile of teriyaki chicken is appealing to both kids and adults. Plus, you can adjust the ingredients based on dietary needs and personal preferences.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Cooked white rice
Broccoli florets
Carrots, thinly sliced
Red bell pepper, chopped
Frozen peas
Soy sauce
Honey
Rice vinegar
Garlic cloves, minced
Fresh ginger, grated
Cornstarch
Water
Sesame oil
Green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds

Directions

Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add to the saucepan. Stir until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
Blanch the Vegetables: In a pot of boiling water, briefly cook broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and chopped red bell pepper until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed chicken, blanched vegetables, and frozen peas. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until heated through and slightly golden on top.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 1200mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 15g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Elevate Your Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Casserole

1. Use a High-Quality Teriyaki Sauce

While store-bought teriyaki sauce works, making your own from scratch allows you to control the sweetness, saltiness, and thickness. A homemade sauce with soy sauce, honey, fresh garlic, and ginger gives the best flavor.

2. Brown the Chicken for Extra Flavor

Instead of adding raw chicken to the casserole, try searing it in a pan first. This step locks in the juices and enhances the dish with a slightly crispy, caramelized texture.

3. Choose the Right Rice

Long-grain white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice all work well, but make sure to adjust the liquid ratios to ensure the rice cooks properly. Pre-cooked rice works best to prevent the casserole from becoming mushy.

4. Roast the Vegetables Before Adding to the Casserole

For deeper, more robust flavors, roast or lightly sauté the broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers before combining them with the other ingredients. This step intensifies the natural sweetness of the vegetables.

5. Add a Crunchy Topping

For extra texture, sprinkle crushed cashews, toasted sesame seeds, or crispy panko breadcrumbs over the casserole before baking.

Best Ways to Serve Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Casserole

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes to create a complete meal.

1. Garnish for Extra Flavor and Texture

Top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha for an added kick.

2. Pair with a Light Side Dish

Since the casserole is hearty, balance it out with a side salad, miso soup, or steamed bok choy.

3. Serve with an Extra Sauce on the Side

Some people love their teriyaki extra saucy—serve a small dish of extra teriyaki sauce or soy sauce for drizzling.

4. Add a Crunchy Element

A side of crisp wontons, egg rolls, or edamame makes for a fantastic textural contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and may require extra liquid and time in the oven. Pre-cooked brown rice works best in this recipe.

2. How Do I Prevent the Casserole from Being Too Dry?

Make sure to use enough teriyaki sauce and chicken broth. Covering the casserole with foil while baking also helps retain moisture.

3. Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead of Fresh?

Yes! Frozen broccoli, carrots, and peas work great. Just thaw and drain them before adding to prevent excess water in the casserole.

4. What Can I Substitute for Chicken?

You can swap chicken for:

Shrimp (add during the last 10 minutes of baking)
Ground turkey or beef for a different protein twist
Tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version

5. How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

6. Can I Make This Dish Spicy?

Absolutely! Try adding:

Red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce
Chopped jalapeños or chili paste for extra heat

7. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Casserole for Every Home Cook

Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and convenience. With a rich homemade teriyaki glaze, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.

Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a family gathering, this nutritious and satisfying casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and deliciously bold flavors make it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Try this Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Casserole today and enjoy a meal that’s as comforting as it is exciting!