Description
A one-pan, dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki casserole with tender chicken, creamy tzatziki, and perfectly cooked rice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup grated cucumber, excess water squeezed out
- 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
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In the baking dish, mix the uncooked rice with chicken broth, olive oil, minced garlic, dried dill, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the bite-sized chicken pieces over the rice in a single layer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Pour the yogurt mixture evenly over the chicken and rice, spreading it gently with the back of a spoon.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle feta cheese over the dish (if using), and return to the oven uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to warm the cheese.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier version, stir in 1–2 tablespoons harissa or sriracha into the yogurt. Substitute brown rice for white but increase liquid and bake time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken, casserole, tzatziki, Mediterranean, one-pan meal