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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

Make this easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole! Features tender chicken and rice cooked together under a creamy tzatziki layer.

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s the complete list of ingredients, with precise measurements:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)
  • (Optional Garnish: 1 medium cucumber, sliced thinly)
  • (Implied: Non-stick spray or oil for greasing dish)

These quantities fit perfectly in a 9×13 dish and serve approximately 4-6 people.

Have chicken diced before starting assembly

Instructions

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!