Looking to bring a taste of Greece to your dinner table? This Greek Chicken Casserole is the perfect blend of traditional and wholesome ingredients. With roots in Greek cuisine, this dish is not only delicious but also healthy, making it a favorite among home cooks, Greek food enthusiasts, and healthy eaters alike. Let's get started!
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to create this mouthwatering casserole:
- Chicken Breasts (2 lbs): Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Authentic Greek olive oil for that rich, Mediterranean flavor.
- Onions (1 large): Finely chopped.
- Garlic (4 cloves): Minced.
- Bell Peppers (2): One red and one green, chopped.
- Zucchini (2 medium): Sliced into thin rounds.
- Tomatoes (4 large): Chopped, or use a can of diced tomatoes.
- Kalamata Olives (1/2 cup): Pitted and halved.
- Feta Cheese (1 cup): Crumbled.
- Chicken Broth (1 cup): Low sodium preferred.
- Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Freshly squeezed.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
- Oregano (1 tsp): Dried.
- Thyme (1 tsp): Dried.
- Parsley (1/4 cup): Fresh, chopped for garnish.
Unique Ingredients
- Kalamata Olives: These dark purple olives have a rich, fruity flavor that adds depth to the casserole.
- Feta Cheese: A staple in Greek cuisine, feta brings a salty, tangy element to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant about 3-4 minutes. Add the bell peppers and zucchini, cooking until they start to soften.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large casserole dish, layer the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and chopped tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, making sure to stir everything together evenly. Scatter the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese on top.
4. Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly browned.
Serving Suggestions
This Greek Chicken Casserole pairs wonderfully with:
- Greek Salad: Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta dressed with olive oil and oregano.
- Tzatziki Sauce: A cool, creamy yogurt-based sauce with cucumbers, garlic, and dill.
- Roasted Potatoes: Greek-style lemon-roasted potatoes complement the casserole perfectly.
- Pita Bread: Warm, soft pita bread is great for scooping up every last bit.
Conclusion
This Greek Chicken Casserole is both flexible and adaptable. Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. You can also substitute the chicken with turkey or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version. The possibilities are endless, making it a versatile recipe that can fit various dietary needs and tastes.
Enjoy your culinary trip to Greece, and don't forget to share your creations with us! Happy cooking!
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