Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole | Easy Meal Prep (Print Version)
Enjoy a flavorful Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole. This easy meal prep recipe combines tender chicken, rice, and fresh Mediterranean flavors for a quick dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Greek
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Casserole Foundation
01 -
1 and 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1 and 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
03 -
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
→ Fresh Tzatziki Infusion
04 -
1 and 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt (2% or full-fat)
05 -
1 large English cucumber, grated and squeezed dry (about 1 cup)
06 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
08 -
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
09 -
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
→ Mediterranean Garden Medley
10 -
1 red bell pepper, diced
11 -
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
12 -
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 -
5 oz fresh spinach
→ Finishing Touches & Seasoning
14 -
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
15 -
1 tsp dried oregano
16 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This prepares your vessel for the delicious Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole | Meal Prep, ensuring easy cleanup and even cooking.
02 -
In the prepared dish, combine 1 and 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 and 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta, 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 red bell pepper (diced), 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced), 1 tsp dried oregano, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are ready for this amazing Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole | Meal Prep.
03 -
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, stir the casserole gently to redistribute ingredients, then continue baking uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender.
04 -
While the casserole bakes, prepare the tzatziki mixture. In a medium bowl, combine 1 and 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt, 1 large English cucumber (grated and squeezed dry), 3 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup fresh dill (chopped), 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
05 -
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Immediately stir in 5 oz fresh spinach and 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) until the spinach wilts. Then, gently fold in the prepared tzatziki mixture. This creates the signature fresh and creamy flavor of your Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole | Meal Prep.
06 -
Sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Taste the casserole and adjust salt and black pepper if needed, adding more to your preference for a perfectly seasoned dish.
07 -
Let the Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole | Meal Prep rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly, ensuring a perfect consistency.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little lemon juice and oregano for 15-30 minutes before adding to the casserole base.
02 -
This casserole is perfect for meal prep! Store individual portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
03 -
Ensure you thoroughly squeeze the grated English cucumber dry. Excess moisture can thin out your tzatziki and make the casserole watery.
04 -
Serve this delicious casserole with warm pita bread or a simple side salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
large mixing bowl
03 -
grater
04 -
measuring cups
05 -
measuring spoons
06 -
cutting board
07 -
sharp knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 476 kcal
Total Fat: 6 g
Total Carbohydrate: 41 g
Protein: 48 g