Description
Craving a creamy, tangy, and Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s both comforting and effortless? Look no further than Slow Cooker Chicken Tzatziki Casserole! This vibrant recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy long-grain rice, and a luscious tzatziki sauce infused with garlic, oregano, and paprika, finished with crumbled feta, fresh herbs, and crisp cucumber slices.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
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Long-Grain White Rice (1 cup, uncooked): Provides a fluffy, hearty base.
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Substitution: Jasmine rice, basmati rice, or quinoa (adjust cooking time for quinoa).
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Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (1 ½ cups): Adds savory depth and cooks the rice.
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Substitution: Vegetable broth for vegetarian or water with bouillon.
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 ½ lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces): Tender, lean protein.
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Substitution: Chicken thighs (juicier), turkey breast, or tofu for vegetarian.
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Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Infuses savory flavor.
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Substitution: 2 minced garlic cloves or ½ tsp garlic salt (reduce added salt).
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Onion Powder (1 tsp): Adds subtle oniony warmth.
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Substitution: ¼ cup finely diced onion or ½ tsp dried minced onion.
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Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Brings classic Mediterranean flavor.
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Substitution: Fresh oregano (1 tbsp, chopped) or dried thyme.
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Paprika (½ tsp): Adds smoky warmth.
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Substitution: Smoked paprika (bolder) or chili powder for a slight kick.
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Tzatziki Sauce (1 cup, store-bought or homemade): Provides creamy, tangy depth.
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Substitution: Greek yogurt mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and ¼ cup grated cucumber for homemade.
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For Garnish
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Cucumber (1 medium, sliced thinly): Adds refreshing crunch (optional).
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Substitution: Zucchini slices or omit.
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Crumbled Feta Cheese (½ cup): Brings salty, tangy richness.
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Substitution: Goat cheese or vegan feta.
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Fresh Parsley or Dill (½ cup, chopped): Adds vibrant, herbaceous freshness.
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Substitution: Fresh cilantro or 2 tbsp dried parsley/dill.
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Why They’re Important: The chicken and rice deliver a hearty, protein-packed core, while the tzatziki sauce adds creamy, tangy Mediterranean flavor. Garlic, oregano, and paprika provide savory depth, and cucumber, feta, and herbs bring fresh, vibrant finishes, making each bite a Greek delight.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
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Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
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Spread 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth over the rice, ensuring it’s fully submerged for even cooking.
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Tip: Rinse rice under cold water before adding to remove excess starch and prevent gumminess. Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
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Step 2: Add the Chicken and Seasonings
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Scatter 1 ½ lbs bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts over the rice.
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Sprinkle 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, and ½ tsp paprika evenly over the chicken for Mediterranean flavor.
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Tip: Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Stir gently to distribute seasonings if desired, but layering works well for a dump-and-go approach.
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Step 3: Slow Cook
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.
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Check halfway through if possible, stirring gently to ensure even rice cooking. If the rice is too dry, add an extra ¼ cup broth; if too wet, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes on high.
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Tip: Check doneness early with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking chicken. Cooking times vary by slow cooker model, so adjust as needed.
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Step 4: Add Tzatziki Sauce
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Once the chicken and rice are cooked, gently stir in 1 cup tzatziki sauce to coat the chicken and rice evenly. If the mixture seems too thick, add 1-2 tbsp broth or water to loosen.
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Set the slow cooker to “keep warm” for 5-10 minutes to let the tzatziki flavors meld without curdling.
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Tip: Add tzatziki at the end to preserve its creamy texture, as prolonged cooking can cause separation. Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for a fresher taste.
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Step 5: Garnish and Finish
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Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if needed (tzatziki is often salty, so season lightly).
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Transfer the casserole to a serving dish or serve directly from the slow cooker. Garnish with ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, ½ cup chopped fresh parsley or dill, and thinly sliced cucumber (1 medium) for a refreshing crunch.
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Tip: Slice cucumber paper-thin for a delicate garnish. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before garnishing to allow flavors to settle.
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Step 6: Serve
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Spoon the chicken tzatziki casserole onto a large serving platter or divide among 4-6 plates, ensuring each portion has a balance of chicken, rice, and garnishes (about 1 ½ cups per serving).
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Serve warm with a side of pita bread, a Greek salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Pair with iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a glass of white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) for a Mediterranean vibe.
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Tip: Arrange for a vibrant presentation—rice and chicken in the center, topped with bright cucumber slices and herbs. Warm plates for a cozy touch. Offer extra tzatziki or feta on the side for customization.
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