Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to a warm 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, half a cup of water, brown sugar, ground ginger, and minced garlic. Cover and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove the lid and let it simmer for one minute, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. Meanwhile, mix the cornstarch with two tablespoons of water in a separate bowl until completely smooth, with no lumps present. Once your sauce is boiling, whisk in this cornstarch slurry; stir continuously until the sauce thickens to a lovely glaze consistency. Remove from the heat and set aside. Place the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish and generously pour one cup of the freshly made teriyaki sauce over the chicken, allowing it to coat thoroughly and begin infusing flavor. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and juicy. Once done, remove from the oven and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the casserole dish, mixing it with the cooking juices. While the chicken bakes, prepare the stir-fry vegetables according to their package instructions—steaming or sautéing until tender but still crisp is ideal. Add the cooked vegetables and brown rice to the casserole dish containing the shredded chicken. Pour in most of the remaining teriyaki sauce, saving a small amount to drizzle over the final serving. Gently toss everything together in the baking dish, ensuring an even coating of the luscious sauce. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the casserole to heat through thoroughly. Once finished, remove from the oven, let the dish rest for 5 minutes to settle, then drizzle each portion with the reserved sauce before serving. Enjoy the hearty, flavorful comfort of this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole! Tip: For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions over the top before serving to add a delightful crunch and fresh flavor.
