If you are craving a delightful, comforting dinner that bursts with flavor and convenience, look no further than the Teriyaki Chicken & Stir Fry Casserole Recipe. This dish perfectly combines juicy, tender chicken glazed in savory-sweet teriyaki sauce with a colorful medley of vegetables and fluffy rice, all baked together to create a mouthwatering casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that balances taste, texture, and simplicity effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to making this Teriyaki Chicken & Stir Fry Casserole Recipe shine. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the tender chicken providing protein, the instant rice adding a quick base, or the frozen vegetables bringing vibrant color and nutrition.
- 1 pound raw diced chicken: Use tender, juicy chicken breast or thighs to serve as the flavorful foundation.
- 2 cups instant rice: Convenient and quick to prepare, instant rice soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables: A handy mix with carrots, peas, and broccoli adds a perfect balance of color and crunch.
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce: This brings that irresistible savory-sweet glaze that ties all the ingredients together.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for cooking the chicken evenly without sticking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the teriyaki flavors wonderfully.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste to bring out the full flavors in every bite.
- Optional garnish – sesame seeds and sliced green onions: These fresh toppings add a final touch of texture and visual appeal.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken & Stir Fry Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and flavors meld beautifully during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss your diced chicken with half a cup of teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Letting the chicken marinate for five minutes helps the meat absorb that delicious sauce and aroma, making each bite flavorful.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the marinated chicken. Sear the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s almost cooked through, locking in the juices and caramelizing the edges for added richness.
Step 4: Prepare the Rice
While the chicken cooks, prepare the instant rice according to its package instructions. Usually, this involves boiling water, stirring in the rice, then covering and letting it stand for about five minutes. The rice acts as a perfect canvas soaking up all those amazing teriyaki flavors.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
In a large casserole dish, mix the cooked chicken, fluffy rice, frozen mixed vegetables, and the remaining half cup of teriyaki sauce. Stir everything together until the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients for a harmonious blend.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover your casserole dish with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. This gentle baking warms the vegetables thoroughly and allows the flavors to meld into one satisfying, cohesive dish.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like. These garnishes add a delightful crunch and fresh, vibrant notes to elevate your Teriyaki Chicken & Stir Fry Casserole Recipe even further.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken & Stir Fry Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sesame seeds and fresh sliced green onions not only boosts the visual appeal but also introduces layers of texture and a pop of color. These simple touches make the casserole feel special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to go the extra mile, serve it alongside a light Asian-inspired salad or steamed dumplings. Pickled ginger or a crisp cucumber salad balances the dish with refreshing acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in mini ramekins for individual portions or topped with a fried egg for brunch flair. You can even wrap leftovers in lettuce leaves for an easy handheld meal that’s full of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Teriyaki Chicken & Stir Fry Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish without any hassle.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until piping hot. If using the oven, cover the casserole to prevent drying out, and warm it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, and broccoli work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the baking time slightly to ensure they cook through.
Is it okay to substitute brown rice for instant rice?
You can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it takes longer to cook. Precook the rice fully before combining it with the other ingredients to maintain the right texture.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth for any cooking steps that require liquid. The teriyaki sauce will still deliver that rich, savory flavor.
How spicy is this casserole?
This Teriyaki Chicken & Stir Fry Casserole Recipe is mild and suitable for all taste buds. If you prefer a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha before baking.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken and pre-cook the rice and vegetables a few hours ahead, then assemble and bake when you’re ready. It makes dinner prep so much easier.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about a dish that combines ease, taste, and heartiness all in one. This Teriyaki Chicken & Stir Fry Casserole Recipe delivers on every front, making it a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Give it a try, and you may just find yourself adding it to your regular meal rotation. Enjoy every bite of this cozy, flavor-packed casserole!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken & Stir Fry Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
This Teriyaki Chicken & Stir Fry Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that combines tender diced chicken, savory teriyaki sauce, nutritious mixed vegetables, and quick-cooking instant rice. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop and then baked in the oven, this casserole offers a comforting blend of flavors and textures, making it a quick weeknight dinner or a family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound raw diced chicken
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce (for marinating)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Rice and Vegetables
- 2 cups instant rice
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, broccoli mix)
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce (for mixing)
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Optional Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole later.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken with ½ cup teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well and let the mixture marinate for about 5 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked through, ensuring it’s tender and juicy.
- Prepare the Rice: While the chicken cooks, prepare the instant rice according to the package instructions—typically boiling water, adding the rice, then covering and letting it sit for 5 minutes until fluffy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large casserole dish, mix the cooked chicken, prepared instant rice, frozen mixed vegetables, and the remaining ½ cup of teriyaki sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. This step warms the vegetables and melds the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, then optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an added fresh crunch and nutty flavor before serving.
Notes
- You can swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh ones; just adjust baking time accordingly.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken in the skillet as it will finish cooking in the oven.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Use low-sodium teriyaki sauce to reduce sodium intake if desired.
