Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Casserole (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Teriyaki Sauce

01 - 3/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
02 - 1/2 cup water
03 - 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
04 - 1 tablespoon honey
05 - 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
06 - 1 teaspoon olive oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
08 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
09 - 2 tablespoons water

→ Casserole Base

10 - 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
11 - 32 ounces frozen mixed vegetables, Asian variety, unsauced
12 - 1 cup pineapple tidbits, drained, packed in juice
13 - 3 cups cooked brown rice

# Instructions:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, 1/2 cup water, brown sugar, honey, ground ginger, olive oil, and minced garlic. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Cover and heat over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water to form a slurry. Gradually incorporate the slurry into the boiling sauce while stirring continuously. Cook until sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange chicken breasts evenly in a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour 1 cup of prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring even coating.
04 - Bake the chicken for 30–35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces directly in the dish.
05 - While chicken bakes, cook frozen mixed vegetables according to package directions. Prepare the brown rice following package instructions if not already cooked.
06 - Add shredded chicken, cooked vegetables, pineapple tidbits, and brown rice to the casserole dish. Pour most of the remaining teriyaki sauce over ingredients, reserving a small portion for final drizzle. Stir to combine thoroughly.
07 - Return casserole to oven and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Drizzle reserved teriyaki sauce over the top before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Add freshly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds as garnish to enhance flavor and presentation.