Why Make This Recipe
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken, flavorful spices, and creamy tzatziki in an easy-to-make format. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a comforting meal without a lot of fuss. The best part? It comes together in one dish, minimizing both prep time and cleanup.
How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
This casserole is a simple and delicious way to enjoy chicken and rice with a Mediterranean twist. It uses basic ingredients that transform into a flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 medium cucumber (sliced thinly for garnish, optional)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the baking dish and pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the rice is completely submerged. Scatter chicken pieces on top of the rice, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika over the chicken. Spoon tzatziki sauce over chicken and spread it evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Once baked, let it sit for 5 minutes, then garnish with feta cheese, parsley or dill, and cucumber slices. Serve warm.
How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
Serve this casserole warm straight from the oven. It pairs well with a side salad or some whole-grain bread. If you like, add extra tzatziki sauce on the side for drizzling.
How to Store Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
To store any leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
- Use good quality tzatziki sauce for the best flavor. Homemade tzatziki can take this dish to a whole new level.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, like bell peppers or spinach, for added nutrition.
- Make sure the rice is fully submerged in broth for even cooking.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe by using brown rice instead of white rice. Just be aware that cooking times may vary, and brown rice may require additional liquid and cooking time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the baking time to ensure they cook through.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just remember to adjust the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for tzatziki sauce?
If you don’t have tzatziki sauce, you can use plain yogurt mixed with garlic and cucumber for a similar flavor. Another option is using ranch dressing for a different spin.
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Garnishes
- 1 medium cucumber (sliced thinly for garnish, optional)
- 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 0.5 cup chopped fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the baking dish and pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the rice is completely submerged.
- Scatter chicken pieces on top of the rice, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika over the chicken.
- Spoon tzatziki sauce over chicken and spread it evenly.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Once baked, let it sit for 5 minutes, then garnish with feta cheese, parsley or dill, and cucumber slices.
- Serve warm.