Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is an effortless, flavorful one-dish meal perfect for a cozy dinner. It features bite-sized chicken breasts baked with rice, a blend of Mediterranean spices, and creamy tzatziki sauce, resulting in a juicy, tender casserole that’s both comforting and delicious. The casserole is topped off with fresh cucumber slices, crumbled feta cheese, and herbs for added texture and freshness.
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 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Garnishes
- Cucumber slices
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
- Combine Rice and Broth: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, mix together the long-grain white rice and low-sodium chicken broth gently to distribute the liquid evenly over the rice.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and paprika. Toss lightly to coat the chicken with the spices without disturbing the rice layer too much.
- Top with Tzatziki Sauce: Pour the tzatziki sauce evenly over the chicken and rice. Spread it gently with a spatula to create a uniform layer that will keep the casserole moist and flavorful during baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the broth and the chicken to cook through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with fresh cucumber slices, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh herbs such as dill or parsley to add brightness and texture. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use homemade tzatziki sauce if preferred for a fresher taste.
- Adjust seasonings according to your taste; add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- If you don’t have low-sodium chicken broth, regular broth can be used but reduce added salt elsewhere.
- For a dairy-free version, use a tzatziki made with dairy-free yogurt and skip the feta garnish.
- Ensure chicken pieces are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
