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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 91 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/dump-and-bake-chicken-tzatziki-casserole-recipe/