Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

why make this recipe

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a fantastic choice for busy nights when you want a hearty meal without a lot of fuss. This dish combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s easy to prepare, and everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while enjoying the delicious Mediterranean flavors.

how to make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

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

Directions:

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.

how to serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

Serve the casserole warm straight from the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. You can even offer extra tzatziki sauce on the side for those who want to add more flavor.

how to store Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay good for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just make sure to cover it well.

tips to make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

1. Use leftover chicken: This dish is perfect for using leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand.
2. Adjust the vegetables: Feel free to swap in other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach if you like.
3. Check the rice: Make sure the rice is fully submerged in broth before baking for better cooking.

variation

You can turn this casserole into a vegetarian option by replacing the chicken with chickpeas or a mix of your favorite vegetables. You may also choose different cheeses like goat cheese for a unique taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
   Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to increase the cooking time and possibly add more broth since brown rice takes longer to cook.

2. Is it necessary to cover the casserole while baking?
   Yes, covering it helps the rice cook properly by trapping steam. You can uncover it later for browning the cheese.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare it the day before, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. Just increase baking time by a few minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

A quick and easy one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce, perfect for busy nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main 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

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish.
• In the prepared dish, add the uncooked rice and spread it evenly across the bottom.
• Pour the chicken broth over the rice, ensuring that the rice is submerged.
• Evenly distribute the cooked chicken over the rice.
• Scatter the diced cucumber, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and sliced Kalamata olives on top of the chicken layer.
• In a bowl, mix the tzatziki sauce with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Spread the tzatziki sauce mixture evenly over the vegetables and chicken, ensuring everything is covered.
• Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese across the top.

Baking

• 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.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the feta cheese is slightly golden.
• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. The casserole can also be frozen before baking.

Keyword Casserole, chicken, Easy Dinner, One-Pan Meal, Tzatziki