Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

This dump-and-bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a vibrant, one-pan meal packed with Mediterranean flavors. Tender chicken, rice, zucchini, and tomatoes bake together with fragrant spices, then topped with feta, tzatziki, and pickled onions for a deliciously fresh finish. Perfect for a busy weeknight!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Casserole:
• Paprika Seasoning Mixture:
• Pickled Red Onions:
• Toppings & Serving:
• How to Make Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
• Step 1: Make the Seasoning Mix
• Step 2: Pickle the Red Onions
• Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
• Step 4: Bake the Casserole
• Step 5: Add Toppings & Serve
• How to Serve Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
• With Warm Pita Bread
• Topped with Extra Feta
• Garnished with Fresh Parsley
• With a Side Salad
• Served with Yogurt Sauce
• Accompanied by Pickled Onions
• How to Perfect Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
• Best Side Dishes for Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
• Reheating Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Chicken Tzatziki Casserole?
• Can I use leftover chicken?
• How spicy is Chicken Tzatziki Casserole?
• Can I customize the vegetables?
• How do I serve Chicken Tzatziki Casserole?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This casserole is a dump-and-bake recipe, making it simple to prepare in no time.
• One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one dish, clean-up is a breeze.
• Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients brings a delightful Mediterranean taste to your table.
• Versatile Meal: Great for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
• Customizable Toppings: You can adjust toppings to suit your taste, whether you prefer more feta or extra tzatziki.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious Chicken Tzatziki Casserole, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Small mixing bowl
• Heat-safe bowl
• Microwave

Importance of Each Tool

• Casserole Dish: Provides ample space for all ingredients to cook evenly.
• Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining spices and pickling onions without mess.
• Microwave: Quickens the process of dissolving sugar for pickling.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1.5 lbs diced chicken breast
• 1 large zucchini, grated or halved and thinly sliced
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, left whole
• 1½ cups basmati or long-grain rice (uncooked)
• 1 lemon, halved and sliced into wedges
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (plus more for topping)
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons Greek seasoning (see notes)

Paprika Seasoning Mixture:

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)

Pickled Red Onions:

• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• ¾ cup red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

Toppings & Serving:

• Additional feta cheese
• Pickled red onions
• Tzatziki sauce (store-bought, such as Opaa!)
• Toom garlic dip
• Fresh parsley
• Warm pita bread

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How to Make Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

Step 1: Make the Seasoning Mix

In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, seasoning salt, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Pickle the Red Onions

In a heat-safe bowl:
1. Combine vinegar, sugar, and salt.
2. Microwave for 45 seconds or until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the thinly sliced red onions ensuring they are fully submerged.
4. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch casserole dish:
1. Add diced chicken.
2. Sprinkle with half of the paprika mixture and 1 heaping tablespoon of Greek seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Evenly sprinkle rice over chicken. Add zucchini and grape tomatoes.
4. In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together chicken stock with remaining paprika mixture and Greek seasoning.
5. Pour seasoned stock over casserole. Sprinkle ¼ cup of feta cheese on top and arrange lemon wedges across the dish.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to check doneness.

Step 5: Add Toppings & Serve

Fluff casserole to distribute ingredients evenly; remove cooked lemons if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. Top with extra feta cheese, pickled red onions, parsley, tzatziki sauce, and garlic dip before serving warm with pita bread.

How to Serve Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

Serving Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a delightful experience. This dish pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance its Mediterranean flavors and make for a satisfying meal.

With Warm Pita Bread

• Warm pita bread adds a lovely touch for scooping up the casserole and complements the tzatziki sauce perfectly.

Topped with Extra Feta

• Sprinkling additional feta cheese on top enhances the dish’s creaminess and adds a delightful salty flavor.

Garnished with Fresh Parsley

• Fresh parsley not only brightens the presentation but also adds a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the casserole.

With a Side Salad

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty casserole.

Served with Yogurt Sauce

• Drizzling extra tzatziki or serving it alongside plain yogurt can elevate the Mediterranean experience.

Accompanied by Pickled Onions

• The tangy taste of pickled onions offers a crunchy texture and an extra burst of flavor that complements every bite.

How to Perfect Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

To ensure your Chicken Tzatziki Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken, vegetables, and herbs will greatly enhance the flavors of your casserole.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference for a personalized kick.
• Don’t Skip the Pickling: Allowing time for the onions to pickle really brings out their flavor, making them a standout topping.
• Check Rice Doneness: Always taste the rice before serving; it should be tender but not mushy. Adjust cooking time as needed.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella if you want to switch up the flavors in your casserole.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes after baking helps flavors meld and makes serving easier.

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Best Side Dishes for Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Tzatziki Casserole can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Salad
   A mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta drizzled with olive oil provides a refreshing crunch.
2. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal veggies such as bell peppers, eggplant, and squash roasted until caramelized complement the casserole beautifully.
3. Hummus Platter
   A variety of hummus served with fresh veggies or pita chips makes for a nutritious side that aligns with Mediterranean flavors.
4. Quinoa Pilaf
   Lightly seasoned quinoa pilaf adds fiber and protein while being an excellent base for any additional toppings.
5. Lemon Garlic Green Beans
   Sautéed green beans with lemon and garlic add brightness and vibrancy alongside your casserole dish.
6. Couscous Salad
   A light couscous salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and mint provides a tasty grain option that pairs nicely.
7. Spanakopita Bites
   These flaky pastry pockets filled with spinach and feta are perfect finger foods that add an exciting element to your table.
8. Tzatziki Dip & Chips
   Serve extra tzatziki as a dip along with crispy pita chips as an appetizer before diving into your main dish!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Tzatziki Casserole, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Ensure that your chicken is cooked just right. Overcooking can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
• Not Measuring Rice Properly: Too much or too little rice can affect the texture. Always measure uncooked rice accurately for best results.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Skipping the seasoning mix can lead to bland flavors. Don’t forget to season every layer of the casserole for maximum taste.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a difference. Invest in quality chicken and fresh vegetables for a more flavorful dish.
• Skipping the Pickled Onions: These add a unique flavor and brightness. Don’t skip this step; they elevate the entire dish!
• Not Fluffing the Casserole Before Serving: Fluffing helps distribute all ingredients evenly. Always give it a good stir before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let it cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for reference.

Reheating Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 25-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Tzatziki Casserole?

Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, rice, and Mediterranean flavors topped with tzatziki and feta cheese.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes! You can substitute cooked leftover chicken for fresh diced chicken in this recipe.

How spicy is Chicken Tzatziki Casserole?

The spiciness largely depends on how much cayenne pepper you add. Adjust it according to your preference!

Can I customize the vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach based on your taste.

How do I serve Chicken Tzatziki Casserole?

Serve warm with additional tzatziki sauce, pickled onions, and warm pita bread for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices according to your taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet fresh. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!