Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a flavorful one-dish meal combining tender cooked chicken, uncooked rice, fresh Mediterranean vegetables, and a creamy Greek tzatziki sauce. Baked until the rice is perfectly tender and the feta cheese is golden on top, this casserole is easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors, making it a perfect hassle-free dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Vegetables
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 cup Greek-style tzatziki sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer rice: Spread the uncooked white rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish to create the base layer.
- Add chicken broth: Pour the chicken broth over the rice, ensuring that the rice is fully submerged for proper cooking.
- Layer chicken: Evenly distribute the cooked, shredded or diced chicken over the rice layer.
- Add vegetables: Scatter the diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and sliced Kalamata olives over the chicken.
- Prepare tzatziki sauce mix: In a bowl, combine the Greek-style tzatziki sauce with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, mixing well to create a flavorful spread.
- Spread sauce: Evenly spread the seasoned tzatziki sauce mixture over the vegetables and chicken, ensuring all ingredients are covered for consistent flavor.
- Add feta cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the casserole to add a creamy, salty layer.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes until the rice is cooked and the chicken is heated through.
- Uncover and finish baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the feta cheese to become slightly golden and add a nice texture.
- Cool and garnish: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken broth fully covers the rice to ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the tzatziki sauce mix.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the tzatziki and feta cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
- To save time, use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breast.
