Mediterranean Onion Chicken Rice Casserole

 

✅ Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

2 cups shredded cooked chicken (preferably grilled or rotisserie-style)

2 cups cooked white rice (or substitute with brown rice or cooked bulgur)

1 ½ cups Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream & cream of chicken soup)

1 tsp Dijon mustard (adds tang and depth)

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp ground cumin

1 tsp dried oregano or thyme

1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or a Mediterranean cheese blend (like kasseri, feta & mozzarella mix)

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

1 tbsp olive oil

½ tsp sugar (optional, helps caramelize onions)

Topping:

• ½ cup crispy shallots or caramelized onions
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)
• Fresh parsley or chopped mint for garnish

Instructions:

1. Caramelize the Onions:

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

 

Add sliced onions and sugar (optional) and cook slowly, stirring often, until deep golden brown—about 15–20 minutes.

 

Set aside.

2. Preheat Oven:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

3. Mix the Casserole Base:

In a large bowl, combine:

• Shredded chicken
• Cooked rice
• Greek yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder, cumin, oregano
• Half of the shredded cheese
• Half of the caramelized onions
• Salt & pepper

Mix until everything is well combined.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

 

Spread the mixture evenly into the baking dish.

Top with remaining cheese and caramelized onions.

Optionally, sprinkle with breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

5. Bake:

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

6. Garnish & Serve:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or mint.

Serve warm with a side salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.