Description
Mediterranean comfort meets weeknight ease in this Chicken Tzatziki Casserole, blending Greek-inspired flavors with creamy, herbal notes. Savory chicken, tangy yogurt sauce, and crisp vegetables create a delightful dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 lbs (680 grams) diced chicken breast
Vegetables and Produce:
- 1 large zucchini (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 yellow onion (diced)
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
- Chopped parsley
Grains, Seasonings, and Dairy:
- 1.5 cups basmati or long-grain rice
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) crumbled feta (plus extra for topping)
- 3 cups (710 milliliters) chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons Greek seasoning
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Pickled Red Onions:
- 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced)
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
Additional Toppings:
- Extra feta
- Pickled red onions
- Tzatziki sauce
- Toom garlic dip
- Warm pita bread
Instructions
- Blend smoked paprika, seasoning salt, turmeric, and cayenne into a unified spice mixture.
- Microwave vinegar, sugar, and salt for 45 seconds to create a quick pickling liquid.
- Submerge sliced onions in the pickling liquid and refrigerate for marinating.
- Heat oven to 375°F, preparing for casserole assembly.
- Coat chicken pieces thoroughly with half the spice blend and Greek seasoning in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Create distinct layers by spreading rice evenly over seasoned chicken, then arrange zucchini and tomatoes on top.
- Whisk chicken stock with remaining spices to create a flavorful liquid seasoning.
- Pour seasoned stock over layered ingredients, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle feta cheese and strategically place lemon wedges across the casserole surface.
- Shield casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking 10-20 minutes until rice achieves complete tenderness.
- Gently fluff casserole layers, removing lemon wedges if preferred.
- Garnish with additional feta, pickled onions, tzatziki, garlic dip, and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately alongside warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Use smoked paprika carefully, as its intense flavor can overpower other spices in the dish.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance for a milder or spicier experience.
- Pickle onions ahead of time to enhance their tangy flavor and allow them to marinate thoroughly.
- Choose zucchini that’s firm and fresh to maintain texture and prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Opt for Greek yogurt-based tzatziki to add creaminess and authentic Mediterranean profile.
- Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains similar flavor complexity.
- Select long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for better texture and less sticky consistency.
- Ensure chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent seasoning distribution.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg