Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole That’s Full of Flavor
I recently made this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole recipe, and I have to say—it’s one of the easiest and most flavorful meals I’ve ever prepared. Everything comes together in one dish, no pre-cooking required.
With the creamy tzatziki, herbed chicken, and fluffy rice, it reminded me of comfort food with a healthy twist. If you enjoy a creamy bake like a Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito Recipe, but want something lighter and Mediterranean-inspired, this is your go-to!
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Tzatziki Casserole
Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this tasty one-dish meal. Every ingredient plays a big role in the flavor and texture, so try not to swap too much!
Chicken and Base:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Tender chicken absorbs flavor best when cut small. - 1 cup long grain white rice
Don’t use instant or brown rice—it affects texture and cooking time. - 1.5 cups low sodium chicken broth
Adds moisture and flavor while keeping sodium low.
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Boosts savory depth. - 1 teaspoon onion powder
Enhances the base flavor without needing fresh onions. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Classic Greek herb for authentic taste. - ½ teaspoon paprika
Adds warmth and a little color.
Toppings and Finish:
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Creamy and tangy—don’t skip it! - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Brings that salty, creamy finish. - 1 medium cucumber (thinly sliced, optional garnish)
Freshness and crunch. - ½ cup chopped parsley or dill
Bright herbs for a fresh Mediterranean finish.
Note: This recipe serves 4 people as a full meal.
Creative Variations to Try
Want to switch it up? This recipe is flexible and fits into many dinner recipes.
- Low Carb Version: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to reduce carbs and calories.
- Grain-Free Option: Try quinoa instead of rice for added protein and fiber.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free tzatziki and skip the feta to keep it plant-based.
- Boosted Protein: Add canned chickpeas or extra chicken for a hearty version.
- Veggie Add-ins: Throw in chopped spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients.
Cooking Time Details
Let’s break down how much time you’ll spend in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need for This Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to pull this dish together:
- 9×13-inch baking dish – for baking everything in one go.
- Aluminum foil – to cover the casserole and help it cook evenly.
- Cutting board and knife – for dicing chicken and slicing garnishes.
- Measuring cups/spoons – to make sure seasoning and liquid amounts are right.
- Spoon or spatula – for spreading the sauce and mixing gently.
How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
You’re just a few steps away from a Mediterranean-style meal your whole family will love.
Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help clean-up later.
Layer the Rice and Broth
Spread the uncooked white rice across the bottom of the dish. Pour the chicken broth evenly over the rice. This forms the moist, fluffy base that cooks right in the oven.
Add Chicken and Season
Place the bite-sized chicken pieces over the rice in a single layer. Try to leave some space between each piece. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika evenly over the chicken. Don’t skip the spices—they’re what bring the flavor!
Spread the Tzatziki
Now spoon the tzatziki sauce over the top of the chicken. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out into a nice layer. This creamy topping locks in moisture and adds tang.
Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes. If it looks too liquidy near the end, remove the foil for the last 5–10 minutes to help the rice absorb the extra broth.
Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. This helps the rice finish cooking and lets the flavors blend. Top it with crumbled feta, fresh herbs, and cucumber slices for a fresh pop.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
I’ve made this recipe a few times now, and here are some ways to make it even tastier:
- Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes before serving for better texture.
- Marinate the chicken in the seasoning overnight if you have time.
- Use homemade tzatziki for extra freshness and control over ingredients.
- Avoid overcooking—the chicken stays juicier if you keep a close eye during the last 10 minutes.
- Slice cucumbers right before serving to keep them crisp and vibrant.
How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
Presentation matters! I like to scoop a big portion onto a plate and top it with feta crumbles and a little fresh parsley. A few cucumber slices on the side add crunch. Serve it with warm pita bread or a light green salad.
If you love creamy meals, pair this with something like a Breakfast Fried Rice for a cozy dinner combo.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This casserole is balanced and satisfying. Here’s a quick overview:
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 10g
How to Store the Casserole
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze it before or after baking. Just wrap tightly and use within 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the full dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is more than just easy—it’s smart, healthy, and delicious. Here’s why I love it:
- One-dish magic: No need for pots or extra clean-up.
- Prep and go: Just dump, bake, and enjoy.
- Flexible ingredients: Great for all kinds of diets.
- Mediterranean vibes: Tastes like a vacation dinner.
- Kid and adult friendly: Everyone at my table loves it!
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results
A few simple missteps can affect the outcome, so keep these in mind:
- Using instant rice – It cooks too quickly and can become mushy.
- Skipping the foil – The rice won’t cook evenly without the covered steam.
- Using too much liquid – Stick to the measured broth to avoid sogginess.
- Overbaking – Chicken dries out if baked too long.
- Undersalting – Season every layer well for maximum flavor.
More Info for a Better Experience
Want to elevate this dish? Try these final tips:
- Use a digital thermometer to check chicken doneness (165°F is perfect).
- For homemade tzatziki, mix Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber, garlic, lemon, and dill.
- Serve with a side of hummus or warm naan for a Greek-inspired dinner plate.
- Meal prep friendly: Bake, slice, and store for work lunches.
Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help clean-up later.
- Spread the uncooked white rice across the bottom of the dish. Pour the chicken broth evenly over the rice. This forms the moist, fluffy base that cooks right in the oven.
- Place the bite-sized chicken pieces over the rice in a single layer. Try to leave some space between each piece. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika evenly over the chicken. Don’t skip the spices—they’re what bring the flavor!
- Now spoon the tzatziki sauce over the top of the chicken. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out into a nice layer. This creamy topping locks in moisture and adds tang.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes. If it looks too liquidy near the end, remove the foil for the last 5–10 minutes to help the rice absorb the extra broth.
- Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. This helps the rice finish cooking and lets the flavors blend. Top it with crumbled feta, fresh herbs, and cucumber slices for a fresh pop.