Looking for a meal that’s both comforting and full of flavor? This Teriyaki Chicken Casserole is just what you need! With tender pieces of chicken, a savory and slightly sweet teriyaki sauce, and a cheesy, hearty base, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s the perfect way to feed the whole family on busy nights. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple enough for everyone to enjoy.
In just under an hour, you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with flavor, packed with protein, and comforting enough for a cozy dinner. The combination of tender chicken, rich teriyaki sauce, and melted cheese is absolutely irresistible!
What Makes This Teriyaki Chicken Casserole Special?
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Flavors that pop: The blend of savory teriyaki sauce and tender chicken pieces gives each bite a delightful balance of sweet and salty.
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Family-friendly: This dish is a surefire way to please even the pickiest eaters in the family.
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One-pan wonder: Save time on cleanup with this all-in-one casserole that includes everything you need in one pan.
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Quick and easy: Ready in less than an hour, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option.
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Versatile: You can easily customize the casserole with vegetables, extra spices, or even add rice to make it a more complete meal.
Ingredient Notes
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Chicken breasts or thighs: Tender and juicy, these are the main protein in the casserole. Thighs offer a bit more flavor and moisture, while breasts are leaner. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
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Teriyaki sauce: The key ingredient that gives the casserole its sweet-savory flavor. Look for a good-quality sauce, or make your own with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
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Shredded cheese: A melty, gooey topping that adds richness. You can use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar, or stick with one of your favorites.
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Rice (optional): Adding cooked rice to the casserole makes it more filling and gives it a nice texture. Alternatively, serve the casserole over rice for a well-rounded meal.
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Veggies (optional): Adding frozen peas or sautéed mushrooms will elevate the dish. You can also add bell peppers for some crunch and color.
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Breadcrumbs (optional): For a crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or panko over the cheese before baking.
How To Make Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
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Prep the chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cook the chicken: In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the teriyaki sauce and bring to a simmer. You can add a teaspoon of honey or ginger for extra flavor if desired.
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Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked chicken, sauce, cooked rice (if using), and veggies. Top with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
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Bake: Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
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Optional topping: For a crispy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs or panko on top of the cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Storage Options
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Room temperature: This casserole is best enjoyed fresh but can be left at room temperature for up to 2 hours before refrigerating.
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
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Freezing: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
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Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
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Spicy twist: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
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Add vegetables: Frozen peas, broccoli, or bell peppers add color and nutrients to the casserole.
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No rice: Skip the rice in the casserole and serve the chicken mixture over a bed of cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
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Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for some heat or parmesan for a sharper, richer flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw it before cutting it into pieces and cooking it. You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
3. Can I make this recipe without rice?
Yes! The rice is optional, and you can skip it if you’d prefer. You could also serve the casserole over rice instead.
4. What if I don’t have teriyaki sauce?
You can make a simple homemade teriyaki sauce with soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and a bit of cornstarch to thicken it.
5. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Make sure to cover the casserole with foil while it bakes and check the dish periodically. If it’s looking too dry, add a bit more sauce before baking.
Conclusion
This Teriyaki Chicken Casserole is a quick, easy, and satisfying dish that will soon become a family favorite! Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for a crowd, this casserole has everything you need for a hearty meal. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your results with us – we’d love to hear how it turned out!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Casserole: A Perfect Family Dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
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2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 cup teriyaki sauce
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2 cups cooked rice
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or mixed veggies
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Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the chicken in a skillet with oil until browned.
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Add the teriyaki sauce to the skillet and simmer.
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Combine chicken, sauce, rice, and veggies in a casserole dish.
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Top with cheese and optional breadcrumbs.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 35g