Fresh Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe for Dinner

Creamy, tangy tzatziki brings a Mediterranean twist to this dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki casserole that promises pure comfort.

Layers of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and zesty herbs meld together in one simple dish.

The magic happens when you combine fresh ingredients with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this hassle-free meal.

No complicated techniques or endless prep work stand between you and a satisfying dinner.

Packed with protein and bright Greek-inspired flavors, this casserole delivers a quick and delightful dining experience.

Let’s transform your dinner routine with this effortless and mouthwatering recipe.

Dump-and-Bake Tzatziki Chicken Overview

• Simplify your cooking with this dump-and-bake casserole that requires minimal prep and maximum flavor.
• One-dish wonder means fewer pots, pans, and utensils to wash, giving you more time to enjoy your delicious meal.
• Tzatziki sauce and classic Greek spices transform ordinary chicken and rice into an exciting culinary adventure that transports your taste buds.
• Packed with mild, approachable ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, this casserole guarantees clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.

Dump-and-Bake Tzatziki Chicken Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Long-Grain White Rice: A pantry staple that forms the hearty base of this casserole and absorbs the delicious flavors during baking.

Chicken: Tender bite-sized pieces that serve as the protein-packed centerpiece of the dish.

Tzatziki Sauce: A creamy Greek yogurt-based sauce that adds tangy moisture and rich flavor to the chicken.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Oregano, Paprika: A blend of spices that creates a deeply aromatic and flavorful coating for the chicken.

• Feta Cheese, Fresh Parsley, Fresh Dill, Cucumber: Garnishes that add texture, freshness, and a bright Mediterranean touch to the finished casserole.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the rice's flavor during the baking process.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish and help steam and cook the ingredients evenly.

Tzatziki Chicken Casserole Directions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 375F (190C).

Grab a 913-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

This prep work makes cleanup a breeze and gets your kitchen ready for deliciousness.

Step 2: Create the Rice Base

Spread the long-grain white rice evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Pour chicken broth over the rice, making sure every grain gets a nice bath.

This liquid magic will help the rice cook perfectly while soaking up all the amazing flavors.

Step 3: Layer the Chicken and Spices

Distribute chicken pieces across the rice, leaving some breathing room between them.

Time to bring the flavor party!

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Paprika

Make sure each piece gets a generous coating of these aromatic seasonings.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Tzatziki Layer

Dollop tzatziki sauce over the seasoned chicken.

Use the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly, creating a luscious, creamy blanket that will keep the chicken super moist and add a tangy kick.

Step 5: Bake to Delicious Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

If you notice extra liquid after this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to help the rice absorb all the flavors.

Step 6: Dress Up Your Dish

After removing from the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes.

Now for the fun part – decorating!

• Crumbled feta cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley or dill
• Thinly sliced cucumber (optional)

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Bring the casserole to the table while its still warm.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and fresh flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Enjoy your culinary creation!

Tzatziki Chicken Recipe Tips

• Spread rice evenly in the baking dish to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked patches.
• Mix spices thoroughly before sprinkling to create a balanced flavor profile across all chicken pieces.
• Spread tzatziki sauce generously to keep chicken tender and infuse creamy tanginess throughout the dish.
• Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and prevent rice from drying out during baking.
• Add feta, herbs, and cucumber slices just before serving to introduce bright, crisp textures and enhance visual appeal.

Store Dump-and-Bake Tzatziki Chicken

• Store leftovers in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is tightly closed to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 2-3 months for maximum quality. Avoid freezing cucumber garnishes.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in oven-safe dish, add small splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy top.

Pairings for Tzatziki Chicken Bake

• Elevate Flavor Combinations
• Pair with Crisp Greek White Wine that complements the tzatziki's tangy profile and cuts through the creamy richness of the casserole.
• Mediterranean Salad Sidekick: Toss a light cucumber and tomato salad with olive oil and lemon to refresh the palate and mirror the dish's Greek-inspired flavors.
• Drizzle with Extra Herb Olive Oil: Add a finishing touch of premium olive oil infused with fresh oregano or dill to enhance the casserole's Mediterranean essence.
• Brighten with Zesty Beverage: Serve alongside a cold glass of sparkling lemonade or Greek-style iced tea to balance the dish's creamy and savory notes.

Tzatziki Chicken Casserole Options

• Gluten-Free Greek Delight: Replace long-grain white rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Option: Swap rice with riced cauliflower and use Greek yogurt with reduced fat content to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version of the casserole.
• Vegetarian Tzatziki Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using the same seasoning blend to create a plant-based protein option that keeps the original recipe's essence.
• Dairy-Free Mediterranean Adaptation: Use coconut yogurt instead of traditional tzatziki, and replace feta cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make this Chicken Tzatziki Casserole unique?

The combination of long-grain white rice, chicken, tzatziki sauce, and Greek-inspired spices like oregano and garlic powder creates a Mediterranean-style one-dish meal that’s both creamy and flavorful.

• Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe. Brown rice or wild rice might require adjusting liquid and cooking times, so stick to the recommended rice type for optimal results.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for preparing ahead of time. You can assemble it in advance and refrigerate before baking, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or planning meals in advance.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Consider adding additional protein like chickpeas, diced Mediterranean-style chicken sausage, or increasing the chicken quantity to make the casserole more substantial and filling.

Dump-and-bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Greek-inspired flavors collide in this dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki casserole, bringing Mediterranean comfort directly to your dinner table. Creamy yogurt sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs create a simple yet delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Base Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) long grain white rice
• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika

Topping and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) tzatziki sauce (store bought or homemade)
• 0.5 cup (60 grams) crumbled feta cheese
• 1 medium cucumber (sliced thinly for garnish, optional)
• 0.5 cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Distribute the long-grain white rice evenly across the bottom of the dish, creating a uniform layer that will serve as the base of the casserole.
3. Pour chicken broth over the rice, ensuring complete coverage and allowing the grains to absorb the liquid during baking.
4. Arrange chicken pieces across the rice, maintaining space between each piece for even cooking and optimal flavor distribution.
5. Generously season the chicken with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the aromatic spice mixture.
6. Spread tzatziki sauce over the seasoned chicken, using the back of a spoon to create an even, creamy layer that will keep the meat tender and infused with tangy flavor.
7. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment for consistent cooking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, removing the foil during the last 5-10 minutes if excess liquid remains to help the rice absorb flavors and achieve the desired consistency.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, letting the ingredients settle and flavors meld together.
10. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, fresh herbs like parsley or dill, and optional cucumber slices for added freshness and visual appeal.
11. Serve warm, savoring the harmonious blend of Mediterranean-inspired flavors and textures in each delightful bite.

Notes

• Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to make the dish gluten-free and lower in carbs, perfect for those watching their grain intake.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and choosing a tzatziki sauce with less salt, ideal for heart-healthy diets.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra chicken or mixing in chickpeas, which provides a great vegetarian alternative for those wanting more plant-based options.
• Prep ahead by marinating chicken in the spices overnight to intensify flavor depth and create a more complex taste profile for your casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg