Name: Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, chopped; 1 cup uncooked white rice (long grain or jasmine); 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional); Fresh parsley or dill, chopped, for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings together tender chicken, rice, and vibrant vegetables—all coated in creamy tzatziki sauce. I love how everything goes straight into the baking dish with no extra steps or mess, making dinner feel effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’m a big fan of easy meals that don’t skimp on flavor, and this one definitely delivers. I don’t have to sauté or pre-cook anything—just dump everything in and bake. The cool and tangy tzatziki sauce infuses the whole casserole with Greek flavors, and the rice soaks up all the juices for a comforting yet light texture. It’s the kind of meal I can make when I don’t want to think too hard but still want to eat something amazing. Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, chopped
Uncooked white rice (long grain or jasmine)
Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Chicken broth
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Cucumber, diced
Red onion, thinly sliced
Garlic powder
Dried oregano
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley or dill for garnish

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large casserole dish, I combine the uncooked rice, tzatziki sauce, chicken broth, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. I mix it all together until everything is evenly coated.
I stir in the chopped chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, spreading it out evenly in the dish.
I drizzle a little olive oil over the top, then cover the dish tightly with foil.
I bake it for about 45–50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Once out of the oven, I fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle feta and fresh herbs on top before serving.

Servings and timing

This casserole serves about 4 to 6 people. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 45 to 50 minutes to bake, so it’s ready in about 1 hour total.

Variations

When I want to change things up, I swap the chicken for ground turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Sometimes I add spinach or chopped olives for more Mediterranean flair. For a creamier texture, I stir in a little extra tzatziki after baking. Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If the rice dries out a bit, I splash in a little chicken broth before reheating to bring back the moisture.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook and may not fully soften in the same time. If I use it, I partially cook the rice before adding it to the casserole.

What’s the best tzatziki sauce to use?

I like using a thick, garlicky tzatziki for bold flavor. Store-bought is convenient, but homemade makes it extra special if I have the time.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, I let it cool completely, then freeze it in portions. I reheat from frozen or thaw overnight and bake at 350°F until hot.

Is it okay to add cheese inside the casserole?

Definitely. I sometimes mix in crumbled feta before baking for an extra salty, creamy touch.

Can I prep this in advance?

Yes, I assemble everything in the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy days.

Conclusion

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is the perfect answer to a busy weeknight when I want something fresh, flavorful, and super easy. It’s one of those meals that always impresses but takes almost no effort. I’ll keep coming back to it whenever I need a simple but satisfying dinner.