Description

This Chicken Teriyaki Casserole is a delicious and comforting blend of tender shredded chicken, cooked rice, fresh vegetables, and a rich homemade teriyaki sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Baked to perfection, this dish combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 ½ cups cooked rice
1 cup broccoli florets
½ cup shredded carrots

Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ cup water

Topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

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Instructions

Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
Sauté Aromatics. Heat olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Make Teriyaki Sauce Base. Pour in soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar, stirring to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely.
Thicken Sauce. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then slowly pour into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency.
Combine Casserole Ingredients. Remove the skillet from heat and in a large mixing bowl, combine cooked shredded chicken, cooked rice, broccoli florets, and shredded carrots. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly.
Assemble Casserole. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly over the top.
Bake. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish and Serve. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Use freshly cooked chicken and rice for best texture and flavor.
You can substitute mozzarella with a mild cheddar or Monterey Jack for variation.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce.
Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas as per your preference.
Make sure to stir cornstarch mixture into the sauce gradually to avoid lumps.
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.