This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Casserole is a winner! Just toss in some chicken, rice, and a creamy tzatziki sauce, then let the oven do the magic. Yummy and no fuss!
You’ll love how simple it is to make! I mean, who wouldn’t enjoy a meal that practically cooks itself? Perfect for busy nights when you just want to relax. 😌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: You can use either white or brown rice, depending on your preference. Brown rice adds more fiber, while white rice cooks faster. If you’re short on time, leftover rice is a perfect option!
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to here for saving time. It’s already cooked and packed with flavor! If you don’t have any, poached or grilled chicken will work fine, too. You can also use canned chicken if you’re in a pinch.
Tzatziki Sauce: Store-bought tzatziki is super convenient, but making your own can add a fresh touch. Just mix yogurt with cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. If you can’t find tzatziki, a mix of plain yogurt with a little dill and garlic can help!
Cheese: While mozzarella makes it creamy and stretchy, you could substitute with feta for a stronger flavor or a dairy-free cheese alternative if needed.
What’s the Best Way to Mix Everything Together?
Combining the ingredients well is key to ensuring every bite is flavorful. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by mixing the cooked rice and shredded chicken in a large bowl. This ensures you have a good base.
- Add in the tzatziki sauce, garlic, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula to fold everything gently but thoroughly.
- Finally, gently incorporate the chopped cucumber, dill, and green onions last so they keep their freshness and crunch.
This way, you’ll distribute flavors evenly while maintaining a nice texture!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber (optional, for extra freshness)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: extra tzatziki, fresh dill, and lemon wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 10 minutes to prep and then 30 minutes to cook, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal on the weekends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the casserole.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Rice Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and shredded chicken. Add in the tzatziki sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, olive oil, and season it all with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and the flavors are evenly spread out.
3. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Next, gently fold in the chopped cucumber, fresh dill, and green onions. This will add a nice crunch and vibrant flavor to the casserole.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly so the layering is uniform. This helps it cook evenly.
5. Add the Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the mixture. This will melt into gooey deliciousness as it bakes!
6. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be bubbly and just starting to turn golden brown.
7. Let It Rest:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit and makes serving easier.
8. Serve:
Garnish with extra tzatziki sauce, a sprinkle of fresh dill, and some lemon wedges if you’d like. Then dig in and enjoy this delightful and comforting casserole!
This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home—warm, flavorful, and oh so simple to make! Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Casserole
Can I Use Different Types of Rice?
Absolutely! You can use white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a different texture. Just be sure that whatever rice you use is fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just microwave individual portions or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of water or extra tzatziki to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will go in cold.
What Can I Substitute for Tzatziki Sauce?
If you’re out of tzatziki, you can make a quick substitute by mixing plain yogurt with a little minced cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill to mimic the flavor. Alternatively, any creamy dressing could work in a pinch!
