Description
Greek-inspired flavors collide in this dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki casserole, bringing Mediterranean comfort directly to your dinner table. Creamy yogurt sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs create a simple yet delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Base Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) long grain white rice
- 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
Topping and Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) tzatziki sauce (store bought or homemade)
- 0.5 cup (60 grams) crumbled feta cheese
- 1 medium cucumber (sliced thinly for garnish, optional)
- 0.5 cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
- Distribute the long-grain white rice evenly across the bottom of the dish, creating a uniform layer that will serve as the base of the casserole.
- Pour chicken broth over the rice, ensuring complete coverage and allowing the grains to absorb the liquid during baking.
- Arrange chicken pieces across the rice, maintaining space between each piece for even cooking and optimal flavor distribution.
- Generously season the chicken with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the aromatic spice mixture.
- Spread tzatziki sauce over the seasoned chicken, using the back of a spoon to create an even, creamy layer that will keep the meat tender and infused with tangy flavor.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment for consistent cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, removing the foil during the last 5-10 minutes if excess liquid remains to help the rice absorb flavors and achieve the desired consistency.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, letting the ingredients settle and flavors meld together.
- Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, fresh herbs like parsley or dill, and optional cucumber slices for added freshness and visual appeal.
- Serve warm, savoring the harmonious blend of Mediterranean-inspired flavors and textures in each delightful bite.
Notes
- Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to make the dish gluten-free and lower in carbs, perfect for those watching their grain intake.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and choosing a tzatziki sauce with less salt, ideal for heart-healthy diets.
- Enhance protein content by adding extra chicken or mixing in chickpeas, which provides a great vegetarian alternative for those wanting more plant-based options.
- Prep ahead by marinating chicken in the spices overnight to intensify flavor depth and create a more complex taste profile for your casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg