Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a quick, easy, and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, creamy tzatziki sauce, and fluffy rice baked together for a comforting meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Garnished with fresh cucumber slices, feta cheese, and herbs, this casserole brings vibrant freshness and convenience to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Sauce & Garnishes
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced thinly for garnish (optional)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Base: Spread the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the low-sodium chicken broth evenly over the rice, ensuring it is fully submerged to allow for even cooking.
- Add the Chicken: Scatter the bite-sized chicken breast pieces evenly over the rice. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and paprika evenly on top of the chicken to infuse it with Mediterranean flavors.
- Top with Tzatziki Sauce: Spoon the tzatziki sauce over the chicken pieces, spreading gently with the back of a spoon to coat the chicken thoroughly. This creamy sauce helps keep the chicken moist during baking and adds a tangy depth of flavor.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked through and the rice tender and fluffy. If there is excess liquid left after baking, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to absorb moisture.
- Finish with Garnishes: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley or dill, and thin slices of cucumber for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the casserole warm and enjoy the vibrant Mediterranean flavors and comforting combination of ingredients.
Notes
- This recipe can easily be doubled to feed more people or for convenient meal prepping.
- Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- For a homemade tzatziki option, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and salt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: dump and bake chicken casserole, chicken tzatziki recipe, easy Mediterranean casserole, baked chicken and rice dish, healthy weeknight dinner
