If you love Mediterranean flavors but crave something quick and satisfying, this Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Casserole is going to steal your heart. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken baked right on a bed of fluffy basmati rice, mingling with fresh zucchini and bursting grape tomatoes, all topped with tangy feta and cool, creamy tzatziki. It’s not just a casserole; it’s a flavor-packed, comforting meal that feels special without complicated steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. You’ll want to keep this recipe handy because it checks all the boxes for deliciousness and ease!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but bright ingredients is key to bringing this dish to life. Each one plays an important role, from the tender chicken that forms the protein base to the lemon wedges that add a spark of freshness. The combination of warm spices and vibrant veggies ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and texture.
- 1.5 lbs diced chicken breast: Provides lean protein and takes on the spice blend beautifully.
- 1 large zucchini (grated or thinly sliced): Adds moisture and a subtle earthiness while blending into the rice.
- 1/2 yellow onion (diced): Offers sweetness and depth when cooked.
- 1 pint grape tomatoes (left whole): Juicy bursts of tangy flavor that balance the rich elements.
- 1.5 cups basmati or long grain rice (uncooked): The fluffy bed for soaking up all the delicious juices.
- 1 lemon (halved and sliced into wedges): Injects brightness both inside the dish and as a garnish.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese plus more for topping: Adds salty creaminess that melts nicely during baking.
- 3 cups chicken stock: Infuses the rice with savory richness.
- 2 tablespoons Greek seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs and spices that brings authenticity.
- Paprika seasoning mixture: Combines smoked paprika, seasoning salt, turmeric, and cayenne for smoky warmth and gentle heat.
- Pickled red onions: Homemade and tangy, they illuminate the dish with a crunchy surprise.
- Toppings: Feta cheese, Toom garlic dip, tzatziki sauce (I adore Opaa! brand), parsley, and warm pita bread to complete the experience.
How to Make Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Paprika Seasoning Mixture
Start by combining the smoked paprika, seasoning salt, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. This fragrant spice blend sets the cozy, smoky tone of the casserole and can even be made ahead to save time later. Mixing these spices ahead lets the flavors develop fully, so sprinkle generously over your chicken.
Step 2: Pickle the Red Onions
Pickled red onions bring a sharp, tangy crunch that lifts the casserole’s richness. Simply dissolve sugar and salt in red wine or apple cider vinegar in the microwave, then submerge thinly sliced red onions in this mixture and refrigerate while you prepare the rest. They’ll be ready to add a vibrant punch at serving time.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Toss the diced chicken breast with half of the paprika seasoning and a generous spoonful of Greek seasoning, coating every piece thoroughly. Spread the chicken evenly in a 9×13 casserole dish, then add a single, even layer of uncooked rice over the chicken. Top with zucchini and whole grape tomatoes for color and texture.
Step 4: Add Stock and Cheese
Whisk the remaining paprika mixture and Greek seasoning into chicken stock, then pour it over the casserole, bathing the rice and chicken in flavorful liquid. Sprinkle crumbled feta on top and arrange lemon wedges over everything—these wedges will infuse the casserole with bright citrus notes as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake Until Tender
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. This baking method ensures the chicken stays moist and the rice perfectly fluffy—a comforting harmony of textures with every bite.
Step 6: Finish with Toppings
Once baked, gently fluff the casserole to meld all the ingredients together. Add extra feta, the pickled red onions, fresh parsley, more lemon wedges, dollops of creamy tzatziki, and Toom garlic dip on top. Serve hot with warm pita bread for a meal that feels like a festive hug on a plate.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Casserole
Garnishes
The toppings are what make this casserole sing. Fresh parsley adds a burst of herbal brightness, while extra crumbled feta brings saltiness and creaminess. Pickled onions offer that delightful tangy crunch, and generous spoonfuls of tzatziki sauce cool and complement the warm, spiced chicken and rice perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Casserole is a substantial dish on its own but pairing it with a simple Greek salad or some roasted vegetables can create a balanced Mediterranean feast. Warm pita bread is a must-have side for scooping up every last bit and for that authentic dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole family-style straight from the baking dish for a cozy vibe or portion it into individual bowls topped with fresh lemon zest and microgreens for a fancier gathering. For a twist, turn leftovers into pita pockets with added fresh cucumber slices and extra tzatziki for a quick and delicious lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavors. When you warm it up, you’ll find the rice remains tender and the chicken juicy, making for an effortless next-day meal.
Freezing
Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Casserole freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking or freeze the fully baked casserole after it cools. It can be stored frozen for up to 2 months, perfect for meal prepping or saving for a time when you want a nourishing, flavorful dinner without fuss.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to maintain moisture if needed. Top with fresh tzatziki and lemon wedges before serving to revive that fresh, vibrant taste.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice instead of basmati?
Absolutely! Long grain rice works beautifully in this casserole, and you can also try jasmine rice for a subtly different aroma. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly depending on the rice type.
What if I don’t have Greek seasoning?
No worries at all! You can easily make your own by blending dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, dill, marjoram, parsley, rosemary, thyme, pepper, and a bit of salt. This mix adds all the classic Greek flavors to your dish.
Can I substitute the chicken breast with another protein?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great if you want more flavor and juiciness, though the cooking time may need a slight adjustment. For a vegetarian version, roasted chickpeas or tofu could be interesting alternatives.
Is it possible to make this casserole spicy?
Definitely. The recipe already includes cayenne pepper which adds a gentle heat, but feel free to increase it to your liking. Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce while serving can also kick up the heat.
How long does the pickled onion need to marinate?
Although they start adding flavor as soon as they soak in the vinegar mixture, letting them chill for at least 30 minutes improves the taste significantly. They can also be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to deepen beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Casserole is one of those dishes that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar without the stress. Full of bright, harmonious flavors and comforting textures, it’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. I can’t wait for you to try making it at home and discover how this simple recipe can become a beloved staple in your dinner lineup. Trust me, it’s a winner every single time!
PrintEasy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Casserole
This Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender diced chicken, basmati rice, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta cheese, all baked together with fragrant Greek and paprika seasonings. Finished with creamy tzatziki, pickled red onions, and garlic dip, it offers a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs diced chicken breast
- 1 large zucchini (grated or halved then thinly sliced)
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, left whole
- 1.5 cups basmati rice or long grain uncooked
- 1 lemon, halved and sliced into wedges
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese plus more for topping
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons Greek seasoning (see recipe notes)
Paprika Seasoning Mixture
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to your liking)
Pickled Red Onions
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
Toppings
- Feta cheese
- Toom garlic dip
- Tzatziki sauce (store-bought, Opaa! brand recommended)
- Fresh parsley
- Pita bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Paprika Seasoning: Mix together smoked paprika, seasoning salt, turmeric, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Set aside or prepare ahead of time to enhance flavors.
- Pickle Onions: In a heat-safe bowl, combine sugar, kosher salt, and vinegar. Microwave for 45 seconds or until the sugar dissolves completely. Submerge the thinly sliced red onions into the pickling liquid, pressing them down to ensure coverage. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Assemble Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the diced chicken in a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the paprika seasoning mixture and 1 heaping tablespoon of Greek seasoning over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Spread the chicken evenly on the bottom of the pan. Layer the uncooked rice evenly over the chicken. Add grated or sliced zucchini and whole grape tomatoes over the rice.
- Prepare Broth Mixture: In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the chicken stock with the remaining paprika mixture and 1 tablespoon of Greek seasoning until well combined. Pour this seasoned chicken stock evenly over the assembled casserole. Sprinkle 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese on top. Arrange 6-8 lemon wedges evenly over the casserole, reserving any remaining wedges for serving.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Baking time may vary, so taste test the rice before removing from the oven.
- Finish with Toppings: Fluff the casserole gently to distribute ingredients evenly, removing cooked lemon wedges if desired. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Top the casserole with additional crumbled feta cheese, pickled red onions, fresh parsley, reserved lemon wedges, dollops of tzatziki sauce, and Toom garlic dip. Serve warm with pita bread on the side.
Notes
- Greek Seasoning: Combine 2 teaspoons dried basil, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons oregano, 1 teaspoon dried dill weed, 1 teaspoon dried marjoram, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Grated zucchini blends seamlessly into the rice making it almost undetectable; use thin slices if you prefer noticeable chunks.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- Store-bought tzatziki sauce like Opaa! is recommended for authentic flavor with convenience.
- Ensure the casserole is tightly covered during initial baking to properly steam the rice.
- Cooking times can vary depending on oven and casserole dish; verify rice tenderness before finishing.