Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a flavorful one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce over fluffy rice. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1 cup Greek-style tzatziki sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish.
2. Step 2: Add the uncooked rice to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.
3. Step 3: Pour the chicken broth over the rice, making sure the rice is fully submerged.
4. Step 4: Evenly distribute the cooked chicken over the rice layer.
5. Step 5: Scatter the diced cucumber, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and sliced Kalamata olives evenly over the chicken.
6. Step 6: In a bowl, combine the tzatziki sauce with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
7. Step 7: Spread the tzatziki sauce mixture evenly over the vegetables and chicken, covering everything.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the casserole.
9. Step 9: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is heated through.
10. Step 10: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the feta cheese is slightly golden.
11. Step 11: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• Swap the white rice for brown rice, but increase the baking time slightly and add more broth as needed.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the tzatziki sauce mixture for a bit of heat.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with cooked chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To keep the feta from drying out when reheating, cover loosely with foil.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked rice in this recipe?

This recipe requires uncooked rice to bake correctly with the broth and absorb flavors. Using cooked rice will result in a mushy texture and is not recommended.

Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the tzatziki sauce and feta cheese with dairy-free alternatives or omit the cheese entirely. Using a coconut or cashew-based tzatziki substitute works well.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe

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This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender cooked chicken, fragrant rice, and vibrant vegetables, all baked together under a delicious layer of creamy tzatziki sauce and topped with crumbled feta cheese. Perfect for an easy, comforting weeknight meal with minimal prep and maximum taste.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Dairy

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup Greek-style tzatziki sauce

Grains and Liquids

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Fruits

• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

Seasonings and Garnish

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. 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.
2. Layer rice: Add the uncooked white rice to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom to form the base layer.
3. Add broth: Pour the chicken broth over the rice, making sure that the rice is fully submerged in the liquid for proper cooking.
4. Add chicken: Distribute the shredded or diced cooked chicken evenly on top of the rice layer for protein.
5. Add vegetables and olives: Scatter the diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and sliced Kalamata olives on top of the chicken layer, adding freshness and flavor.
6. Prepare tzatziki sauce mixture: In a bowl, combine the Greek-style tzatziki sauce with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to infuse the sauce with seasoning.
7. Top with tzatziki sauce: Spread the tzatziki sauce mixture evenly over the vegetables and chicken, ensuring everything is well covered to add creaminess and Mediterranean flair.
8. Add feta cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly across the top of the casserole for a tangy, salty finish.
9. Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the rice absorbs the liquid and is tender, and the chicken is heated through.
10. Uncover and brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the feta cheese turns slightly golden and bubbly.
11. Garnish and serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Notes

• If you prefer, substitute brown rice for white rice, but increase baking time accordingly to ensure rice is fully cooked.
• Using cooked chicken from leftovers or a rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and convenient.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the tzatziki sauce mixture.
• Ensure the casserole dish is well covered during most of the baking time to keep moisture in and rice tender.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Chicken Tzatziki Casserole, Mediterranean baked dish, one-pan chicken casserole, Greek chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner