Let’s assemble and bake this incredibly simple casserole:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or oil.
2. Assemble the Base Layers:
- Spread the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Pour the chicken broth over the rice, ensuring the rice is completely submerged.
3. Add and Season Chicken:
- Scatter the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly on top of the rice and broth layer.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken pieces.
4. Top with Tzatziki Sauce:
- Spoon the tzatziki sauce over the seasoned chicken pieces. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread it out, ensuring the chicken is mostly coated.
5. Bake Covered:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is crucial for trapping steam to cook the rice.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.
6. Bake Uncovered (Optional):
- After 35-40 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil. Check if the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- If needed (i.e., if there’s still significant excess liquid), bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to help absorb moisture.
7. Rest and Garnish:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and the chopped fresh parsley or dill evenly over the top.
- Arrange thin cucumber slices over the top for garnish, if desired.
8. Serve:
- Serve warm, savoring the delicious aromas and vibrant flavors!
Minimal effort for a complete, flavorful meal!