Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole: Easy Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole combines tender chicken, rice, and creamy tzatziki flavors in one pan. Minimal prep for a flavorful dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Greek
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 -
1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
03 -
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
→ Tangy Tzatziki Infusion
04 -
1 1/2 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt
05 -
1 cup English cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
06 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
08 -
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
09 -
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
→ Aromatic Enhancers
10 -
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
11 -
1 tsp dried oregano
12 -
1/2 tsp black pepper
13 -
Salt to taste
→ Golden Finish
14 -
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
15 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cube 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Grate 1 cup English cucumber and squeeze it dry using a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. Mince 3 cloves garlic and finely dice 1/2 yellow onion.
02 -
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, combine the cubed chicken, 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice, 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, the finely diced 1/2 yellow onion, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir well to distribute all ingredients evenly.
03 -
Add 1 1/2 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt, the squeezed dry 1 cup English cucumber, the 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil to the dish. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated, creating the creamy base for your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole.
04 -
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. This initial bake allows the rice to cook and the chicken to become tender, ensuring a perfectly cooked Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole.
05 -
Carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the feta is lightly golden and bubbly.
06 -
Remove the casserole from the oven. Let your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole rest, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld and the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid. Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for a vibrant finish.
# Notes:
01 -
For an even richer flavor, substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts. They tend to stay juicier during baking.
02 -
Serve this hearty casserole with warm pita bread for dipping, or a simple side salad with a lemon-herb vinaigrette to complete the meal.
03 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
04 -
If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can add an extra clove or two, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
large mixing bowl
03 -
grater
04 -
measuring cups and spoons
05 -
cutting board
06 -
knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 511 kcal
Total Fat: 14 g
Total Carbohydrate: 46 g
Protein: 49 g