Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a delightful fusion of hearty ingredients and vibrant Mediterranean flavors that come together seamlessly in a single dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this comforting recipe brings the tantalizing taste of tzatziki sauce into a cozy casserole, making it a sure-fire hit with family and friends. What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity; with minimal prep and cooking time, you can create a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love.

Imagine serving this dish at your next family dinner or potluck—its colorful layers of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and creamy tzatziki will not only impress your guests but also leave them craving more. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures, topped off with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley, is bound to elevate your dinner table and create lasting memories.

This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.

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

Gather all the colorful ingredients for a delicious, easy casserole.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish to prevent sticking.
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 layer.
5. Scatter the diced cucumber, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and sliced Kalamata olives on top of the chicken.
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.

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient substitutions: You can use quinoa instead of rice for a healthier option or swap the shredded chicken for cooked turkey or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Optional variations: Add spinach or bell peppers for extra vegetables, or sprinkle some pine nuts on top before baking for a delightful crunch.
• Storage or reheating tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 55 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty level: Easy