Description
This Teriyaki Chicken & Stir Fry Casserole is a flavorful, comforting dish combining tender marinated chicken, quick-cooking instant rice, and vibrant mixed vegetables all baked to perfection in a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. Ideal for a busy weeknight, this casserole offers a balanced blend of protein, veggies, and satisfying carbs with an easy preparation and baking method.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound raw diced chicken – Tender, juicy chicken as the base
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce – For marinating the chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For added depth of flavor
- Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – For cooking the chicken
- 2 cups instant rice – Convenient, quick-cooking rice
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables – A mix of carrots, peas, and broccoli works well, but customize with your favorites
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce – To combine in casserole
Optional Garnish
- Sesame seeds – For a finishing touch
- Sliced green onions – For garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare 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 it marinate for about 5 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken pieces are mostly cooked through, ensuring they retain juiciness.
- Prepare the Rice: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the instant rice according to package instructions, typically boiling water, adding rice, and covering it to sit for 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large casserole dish, mix together the cooked chicken, prepared rice, frozen mixed vegetables, and the remaining ½ cup of teriyaki sauce until everything is well combined.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, allowing the vegetables to heat through and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor and presentation. Serve warm.
Notes
- For more texture, you can lightly sauté the frozen vegetables before mixing them in.
- Feel free to swap instant rice for quinoa or brown rice, adjusting cook time accordingly.
- Use low-sodium teriyaki sauce to reduce salt content if preferred.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of diced chicken breast for a richer taste.
- This casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
