Make Use of Leftover Rice with This Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Make Use of Leftover Rice with This Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

### Teriyaki Chicken Casserole: A Quick and Tasty Weeknight Meal

Teriyaki Chicken Casserole offers an excellent method to turn leftover chicken and rice into a tasty and simple weeknight meal. This dish is not only speedy to make but is also filled with healthy vegetables and slathered in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. With little preparation and no chopping needed, it’s ideal for busy families seeking a fulfilling dinner.

#### Serving Suggestions
Complement your Teriyaki Chicken Casserole with refreshing sides like:
– [Asian slaw](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/easy-asian-slaw/)
– [Asian cucumber salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/asian-cucumber-salad/)
– [Air Fryer egg rolls](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/air-fryer-egg-rolls/)

### Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
– **Flavor:** Savor the sweet and savory essence of traditional teriyaki, elevated by a shining sauce.
– **Why Make It:** Easy to put together with pre-cooked chicken, rice, and frozen veggies, minimizing prep time.
– **Technique:** Save a bit of teriyaki sauce to drizzle on the casserole prior to serving for additional taste.
– **Tools:** A 9×13-inch baking dish and a small saucepan are all that is required.

**Total Time:** 65 Minutes (15 Minutes Prep)
**Servings:** 6
**Cooking Method:** Oven

### Ingredient Notes
– **Chicken:** Utilize cooked diced or shredded chicken, such as leftover rotisserie or oven-roasted chicken. Shredded turkey is an excellent alternative.
– **Cooked Rice:** White and brown rice are both suitable. If preparing rice specifically for this dish, consider making [easy oven-baked rice](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/baked-rice/) in advance.
– **Frozen Stir-Fry Vegetables:** Add directly from the freezer. An appealing mix including broccoli, carrots, peppers, and snap peas is optimal.
– **Soy Sauce:** Steer clear of low-sodium soy sauce to ensure the sauce is flavorful enough.
– **Orange or Pineapple Juice:** Orange juice provides brightness, while pineapple juice boosts sweetness.

### Variations
– **Quick Sauce:** For a quicker alternative, swap the homemade sauce with a thick bottled teriyaki marinade (approximately 1¼ to 1⅓ cups).
– **Fresh Vegetables:** Substitute frozen vegetables with about 4 cups of fresh selections such as broccoli, carrots, peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes prior to adding to the casserole.

### How to Create Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with grease.
2. In a small saucepan, mix soy sauce, ½ cup water, orange juice, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce thickens (2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside ¼ cup for serving.
3. In the prepared baking dish, combine chicken, rice, and frozen veggies. Pour the remaining teriyaki sauce over the mixture and stir to mix.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Remove the cover, drizzle with the reserved teriyaki sauce, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through.
6. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

### Save It for Later
– **Refrigerator:** Keep leftovers in an airtight container for as long as 4 days.
– **Freezer:** Allow to cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
– **Reheating:** Microwave individual portions until warm, adding a splash of water if the rice seems dry. For larger servings, cover and heat in a 350°F oven until thoroughly heated.

### Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
– **Calories:** 306
– **Carbohydrates:** 41g
– **Protein:** 23g
– **Fat:** 5g
– **Sodium:** 623mg
– **Fiber:** 3g

Teriyaki Chicken Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a wonderful method to relish leftovers while serving a nutritious and flavorful dish for your family. Enjoy this simple recipe for a gratifying dinner any night of the week!