If you love hearty meals that come together effortlessly yet burst with fresh, vibrant flavors, then you are going to adore this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe. It’s comfort food meets Mediterranean flair, packing tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy tzatziki into one simple dish that tastes far more complex than its quick prep would suggest. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend gathering, this casserole is your new go-to that delivers layers of flavor without tying you to the stove.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this casserole plays a starring role, combining to create a dish that’s rich in texture and bright with Mediterranean spices. From the fluffy rice soaking up flavorful chicken broth to the creamy tzatziki adding that cool tang, each element is essential for perfect harmony on your plate.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup): Provides a light, fluffy base that absorbs the savory broth and spices beautifully.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1 ½ cups): Adds depth and moisture to cook the rice perfectly while infusing gentle flavor without overpowering.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): Cut into bite-sized pieces, they remain tender and juicy throughout baking.
- Tzatziki sauce (1 cup): The creamy star of the show, lending a refreshing cucumber and garlic flavor that elevates this casserole.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic punch essential for Mediterranean dishes.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Brings subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning mix.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Infuses that classic herbaceous note that marries perfectly with chicken.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Offers a hint of smoky warmth and beautiful color to the casserole.
How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare your dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that by the time your ingredients are combined, the oven is perfectly hot to bake everything evenly. Use a 9×13 inch baking dish—it’s the perfect size to hold all the layers compactly, helping the rice cook up tender and the chicken stay juicy.
Step 2: Combine the rice and chicken broth
Pour the long-grain rice and chicken broth into your baking dish. Gently mix them together—this lets the rice start soaking up flavor right away. This simple combination is the heart of your casserole, ensuring every bite is comforting and well-seasoned.
Step 3: Add and season the chicken
Place the bite-sized chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and paprika evenly over everything. Toss lightly to coat the chicken with these fragrant spices; this step infuses the meat with wonderful Mediterranean flavors that will permeate the whole casserole as it bakes.
Step 4: Pour on the tzatziki sauce
Now for the magic touch—spread the creamy tzatziki sauce evenly over the chicken and rice layers. This sauce adds a bright, tangy layer that moistens the protein and rice while creating a deliciously silky texture that balances all the spices.
Step 5: Cover and bake
Cover your baking dish tightly with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes to let the rice absorb the broth and spices while the chicken cooks through gently. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to develop that irresistible golden brown top and slightly crisp edges.
Step 6: Garnish and finish
Once out of the oven, sprinkle your casserole with fresh cucumber slices, crumbled feta cheese, and herbs such as dill or parsley to brighten the flavors and add a lovely contrast in texture. This final step transforms the dish into a colorful, inviting feast.
How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes are key to highlighting the flavors in this casserole. Think crisp cucumber slices, salty feta crumbles, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or mint. These brighten the rich, creamy base and add that extra zing that makes each bite special.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands out on its own but pairs beautifully with light Mediterranean side dishes. A crisp Greek salad or roasted vegetables with lemon and olive oil complements the creamy tzatziki and savory chicken perfectly, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve individual portions in mini skillets or ramekins, then garnish each with a sprig of fresh dill and a small cucumber ribbon. This personal touch elevates the humble casserole and adds a charming aesthetic to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making leftovers even better the next day for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well if you want to prepare ahead of time. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for easiest reheating and texture preservation.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep it moist, for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through. The creamy tzatziki might mellow a bit on reheating but still keeps that signature tanginess.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Using brown rice is a healthier alternative, but keep in mind it will need a longer cooking time and possibly more broth, so adjust accordingly to ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender.
Is homemade tzatziki better than store-bought?
Homemade tzatziki offers a fresher flavor and the ability to customize ingredients, but a good-quality store-bought tzatziki also works perfectly well for convenience, maintaining the creamy tang that defines this dish.
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Yes, turkey breast or even firm white fish can work as alternatives. Just be mindful of cooking times and ensure the protein stays moist throughout baking to avoid dryness.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe is ideal for meal prepping because it reheats beautifully and maintains its flavor and texture, making lunches or dinners a breeze throughout the week.
How spicy is this casserole?
This casserole is mild, with a gentle warmth from paprika rather than heat. If you like a bit of a kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that feels both fresh and comforting, and the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s easy, flavorful, and flexible enough to become a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, turn on your oven, and dive into this delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings warmth and joy to any dinner table.
Print
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a flavorful, easy one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy tzatziki sauce baked together with long-grain rice. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, it combines Mediterranean-inspired flavors with convenience, delivering a comforting and satisfying dish in just over an hour.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce, store-bought or homemade
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Garnish
- Cucumber slices
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix rice and broth: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine 1 cup of long-grain white rice with 1 ½ cups of low-sodium chicken broth and mix gently to distribute evenly.
- Add and season chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken breast pieces on top of the rice and broth mixture. Sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Toss lightly to coat the chicken pieces with the spices.
- Spread tzatziki sauce: Pour 1 cup of tzatziki sauce over the chicken and rice mixture, spreading it evenly across the surface to incorporate the creamy flavors.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes to allow the rice to cook and the chicken to become tender.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake the casserole for an additional 15 minutes. This step helps achieve a golden-brown top layer and slightly caramelized edges.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, garnish the casserole with fresh cucumber slices, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley before serving.
Notes
- To make homemade tzatziki, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill for a fresh and tangy sauce.
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control salt levels, but you can adjust seasoning to taste.
- Ensure the baking dish is tightly covered with foil while baking to properly steam cook the rice.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free option, confirm that your tzatziki sauce and chicken broth contain no gluten additives.
