Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe
This dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki casserole combines tender cooked chicken, uncooked rice, fresh Mediterranean vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce baked together in one dish for an easy, flavorful, and nutritious weeknight meal. The casserole features layers of shredded chicken, diced cucumber, grape tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together with herb-infused tzatziki sauce and oven-baked to perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
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
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Add Rice: Spread the uncooked white rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the rice ensuring it is fully submerged to allow proper cooking during baking.
- Layer Chicken: Distribute the cooked shredded or diced chicken evenly on top of the rice layer.
- Add Vegetables: Scatter the diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and sliced Kalamata olives evenly over the chicken layer.
- Prepare Tzatziki Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the Greek-style tzatziki sauce with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Spread Tzatziki Layer: Evenly spread the seasoned tzatziki sauce mixture over the vegetables and chicken, making sure all ingredients are covered.
- Add Feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the casserole for a creamy, tangy finish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and chicken is heated through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the feta to become slightly golden and the top to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken beforehand with lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano.
- Brown rice can be substituted for a healthier alternative; adjust the baking time as brown rice requires longer cooking.
- Greek yogurt can replace tzatziki sauce, but add extra cucumber and dill to replicate the traditional tzatziki flavor.
- Serve this casserole with warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- This dish can be prepped the night before and stored covered in the refrigerator, then baked fresh when ready to eat.
