Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
Ingredients:
- For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (to thicken sauce)
- For the Casserole:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bag (12 ounces) stir-fry vegetables (broccoli, carrots, snow peas, etc.)
- 3 cups cooked brown or white rice
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, 1/2 cup water, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Cover and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- In a separate dish, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Once the sauce is boiling, add the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly.
- Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the stir-fry vegetables around the chicken.
- Pour 1 cup of the teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Carefully remove from the oven and take off the foil. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the dish.
- Combine with Rice & Bake Again:
- Add the cooked rice to the casserole dish, along with most of the remaining teriyaki sauce (reserving a little for serving).
- Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and everything to heat through.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle each portion with the reserved teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy this delicious, savory, and wholesome meal!
Tips for Best Results:
- Rice Choice: Brown rice adds extra fiber, but white rice works just as well for a softer texture.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap or add bell peppers, snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms for variety.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Make It Ahead: Cook and assemble everything in advance, then bake for 10 minutes before serving for an easy meal prep option!