Name: Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole — Easy Cozy Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups Cooked Chicken (shredded or diced); 1 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled); 1 cup Tzatziki Sauce; 1 cup White Rice (uncooked); 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 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano; Salt and Pepper (to taste); 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)

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Introduction

This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is an easy, cozy dinner that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and creamy tzatziki sauce. With fresh veggies and tangy feta, it’s a delicious one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights.

The dish is a baked casserole served in a white oval ceramic dish, filled with layers starting from a creamy white sauce base, topped with browned and crispy cheese-covered pieces of salmon arranged evenly, their golden edges adding texture. Scattered on top are vibrant red cherry tomatoes, some whole and some halved, along with thin slices of fresh green cucumber and slivers of purple-red onion. Bright green chopped herbs, including parsley, are sprinkled generously over the whole dish, adding fresh color and contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing its fresh and colorful appearance, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1 cup white rice (uncooked)
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 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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, then pour the chicken broth over the rice, making sure it is fully submerged.
Step 3: Evenly distribute the cooked chicken over the rice, followed by the diced cucumber, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and sliced Kalamata olives.
Step 4: In a bowl, mix the tzatziki sauce with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the vegetables and chicken.
Step 5: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly on top of the casserole.
Step 6: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 7: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the feta cheese turns slightly golden.
Step 8: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For added zest, sprinkle some lemon zest into the tzatziki mixture before baking.
Substitute quinoa or brown rice for a healthier grain option.
Add diced bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, avoid overcooking when reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a layered creamy casserole on a white plate, showing three main layers; the bottom layer is a thick mix of shredded chicken and creamy rice with visible small bits of vegetables and herbs, the middle layer is a golden-brown baked cheesy crust that adds texture, and the top layer is colorful with halved bright red cherry tomatoes, dark purple sliced olives, chunks of light green cucumber, thin slices of red onion, dollops of white crumbled cheese, all sprinkled with finely chopped green parsley, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure the chicken is fully thawed and cooked before adding it to the casserole to ensure even cooking and food safety.

Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?

Absolutely. You can substitute the feta cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free tzatziki or a plain yogurt sauce made from coconut or almond milk.