Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole That’s Bursting with Flavor
This dump-and-bake casserole combines tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and zesty tzatziki all baked together for a satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
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. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish.
2. In the prepared dish, add the uncooked rice and spread it evenly across the bottom.
3. Pour the chicken broth over the rice, ensuring that the rice is submerged.
4. Evenly distribute the cooked chicken over the rice.
5. Scatter the diced cucumber, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and sliced Kalamata olives on top of the chicken layer.
6. In a bowl, mix the tzatziki sauce with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
7. Spread the tzatziki sauce mixture evenly over the vegetables and chicken, ensuring everything is covered.
8. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese across the top.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is heated through.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the feta cheese is slightly golden.
11. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the chicken beforehand with lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano.
Use brown rice as a healthier alternative but increase the cooking time accordingly.
Substitute Greek yogurt for tzatziki sauce if desired, but add extra cucumber and dill to mimic its flavors.
Pair the casserole with a side of warm pita bread for a complete meal.
This dish can be prepped a night before and stored in the refrigerator, then baked fresh when needed.