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Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Casserole

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3.8 from 52 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/easy-chicken-tzatziki-rice-casserole/