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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Recipe

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 23 reviews

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki is a simple and flavorful one-pan Greek-inspired casserole combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy homemade tzatziki topping. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it bakes together effortlessly, infusing the rice with aromatic spices and finishing with fresh herbs and optional feta cheese for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Base:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
  • Juice of 1 lemon

For Garnish:

  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your casserole evenly.
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking or casserole dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  3. Combine Rice and Seasonings: In the baking dish, mix together the uncooked rice, chicken broth (or water), olive oil, minced garlic, dried dill, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute all the seasonings.
  4. Arrange Chicken: Evenly spread the bite-sized chicken pieces over the rice mixture, allowing the flavors to infuse during cooking.
  5. Make Tzatziki Base: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess water squeezed out), and lemon juice to create a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce.
  6. Top Casserole: Pour the yogurt mixture evenly over the chicken and rice. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread it out, covering the casserole evenly.
  7. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Add Feta Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top if using. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 minutes to slightly melt the cheese.
  9. Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
  10. Rest and Serve: Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve warm alongside a crisp salad or warm pita bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Squeezing out excess water from the grated cucumber prevents the tzatziki from becoming too watery.
  • You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or water as needed.
  • Use fresh herbs if available for brighter flavor, but dried herbs work well too.
  • Feel free to swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts depending on your preference.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
  • Ensure the baking dish is tightly covered with foil to keep the casserole moist during baking.
  • Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, tzatziki, Greek chicken, dump and bake, easy chicken recipe, one-pan meal, Mediterranean chicken, baked chicken and rice

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/dump-and-bake-chicken-tzatziki-recipe/