Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a quick and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Combining tender shredded chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, fresh cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese over a bed of cooked rice, this casserole is baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a simple, hands-off recipe that brings bright, fresh flavors to your table with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup diced cucumbers
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded cooked chicken, tzatziki sauce, cooked rice, diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese, ensuring all components are well mixed.
- Season and Add Oil: Drizzle the mixture with olive oil, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix again to distribute seasoning and oil evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish lightly with oil or cooking spray, then spread the chicken mixture evenly inside the dish for uniform cooking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is heated through, bubbly, and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly, enhancing the texture and flavor.
Notes
- This recipe works great with leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a lower-calorie option, use low-fat tzatziki and reduced-fat feta cheese.
- You can substitute cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free alternative.
- Make sure to drain excess liquid from cucumbers before mixing to prevent a soggy casserole.
