If you’ve been searching for a hassle-free dinner that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, look no further than this Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and vibrant without spending hours in the kitchen. Combining tender chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and fluffy rice in one cozy casserole, this dish feels like a warm hug straight from the oven. It’s not only simple to pull together but incredibly satisfying, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this dish is a breeze, yet every single one plays a crucial role in bringing out the ultimate Mediterranean charm. From the hearty chicken to the tangy feta, each component contributes texture, brightness, and depth of flavor to the casserole.
- 2 cups White Rice (uncooked): The base that cooks perfectly in the broth, absorbing all those delicious flavors.
- 4 cups Chicken Broth: Ensures the rice stays moist and infuses a savory note throughout the dish.
- 3 cups Cooked Chicken (shredded or cubed): Provides the protein and meaty heartiness needed for this comforting meal.
- 1 cup Cucumber (diced): Adds a refreshing crunch and coolness that contrasts beautifully with the warm casserole.
- 1 medium Red Onion (diced): Offers a gentle zing that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- 1 cup Grape Tomatoes (halved): Bursts of sweetness and acidity balancing the creaminess of the tzatziki.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives (sliced): Brings that authentic Greek salty tang to the mix.
- 1 cup Tzatziki Sauce (homemade or store-bought): The star ingredient delivering cool, creamy, and herbaceous notes.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Amplifies the garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that ties all the ingredients together.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
- 1 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled): Adds a salty, tangy richness that melts slightly to coat the casserole luxuriously.
- 1/4 cup Parsley (chopped): Fresh herb garnish to brighten the finished dish with color and flavor.
How to Make Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later. Having everything ready from the start helps this process move smoothly and quickly.
Step 2: Layer the Rice and Broth
Evenly spread the uncooked white rice across the bottom of your prepared dish. Then, pour the chicken broth over the rice, making sure the rice is fully submerged. This is the magic that allows the rice to cook gently in the oven, soaking up all that savory broth flavor.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Fresh Veggies
Distribute the cooked chicken evenly on top of the rice layer. Follow this with a colorful scatter of diced cucumber, red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and sliced Kalamata olives. This combination is what transforms a simple casserole into a vibrant Mediterranean feast.
Step 4: Mix and Spoon on the Tzatziki Sauce
In a bowl, combine the tzatziki sauce with garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to blend those herbs and spices into the creamy sauce. Spoon this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients—it’s the key to that signature tangy, creamy flavor profile in this Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe.
Step 5: Top with Feta and Bake
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese generously over the tzatziki layer for a salty, melty finish. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam and bake for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to let the top get slightly golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your casserole rest for about 5 minutes—this step helps everything set nicely and makes it easier to serve. Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely pop of color and fresh herb flavor.
How to Serve Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is ideal, but you can also add a few extra Kalamata olives or a drizzle of olive oil for that authentic Mediterranean touch. If you want a hint of spice, consider a light dusting of smoked paprika or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, some warm pita bread, or even a simple roasted vegetable medley. The creamy, tangy flavors of the casserole contrast delightfully with fresh, crunchy sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it family-style straight from the baking dish to keep things cozy and casual, or plate individual portions with a dollop of extra tzatziki sauce on top. For a party twist, serve it in small ramekins or bake mini versions for easy grab-and-go bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it just as delicious — if not better — the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Cool it completely first, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for convenience, adding an extra spoonful of tzatziki to restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice?
Absolutely! While white rice works best for its quick cooking time and fluffy texture, you can experiment with brown rice or jasmine rice. Just keep in mind that cooking times and liquid ratios may need adjusting.
Is homemade tzatziki necessary?
Store-bought tzatziki is perfectly fine and saves time, but homemade tzatziki made with fresh cucumber, garlic, dill, and yogurt brings a vibrant freshness that elevates the dish even more.
Can this casserole be made vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas, hearty mushrooms, or roasted vegetables. Just be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How spicy is this casserole?
This recipe is mild and focuses on fresh, tangy flavors rather than heat. If you prefer a little kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the tzatziki sauce mixture.
Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chicken broth and tzatziki sauce ingredients to be sure they contain no hidden gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe is an absolute game changer for anyone craving a wholesome, flavorful meal without fuss. It’s the kind of dish that invites warmth, sharing, and satisfaction at every bite. Trust me, once you give it a try, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for busy days and relaxed weekends alike. So go on — gather your ingredients and bake up a little Mediterranean magic tonight!
Print
Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Bliss is a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and creamy tzatziki sauce layered over rice and baked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it features fresh vegetables, salty feta, and olives for a perfectly balanced meal with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 cups White Rice (uncooked)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
Protein
- 3 cups Cooked Chicken (shredded or cubed)
Vegetables & Toppings
- 1 cup Cucumber (diced)
- 1 medium Red Onion (diced)
- 1 cup Grape Tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives (sliced)
- 1/4 cup Parsley (chopped)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 cup Tzatziki Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Cheese
- 1 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Layer Rice: Evenly spread the uncooked white rice along the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth evenly over the rice, ensuring the rice is fully submerged for even cooking.
- Add Chicken: Distribute the cooked shredded or cubed chicken evenly on top of the rice and broth layer.
- Add Vegetables: Scatter the diced cucumber, red onion, halved grape tomatoes, and sliced Kalamata olives over the chicken layer to add freshness and flavor.
- Prepare Tzatziki Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine tzatziki sauce with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, mixing well to infuse the flavors.
- Layer Tzatziki: Spoon the seasoned tzatziki sauce mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
- Add Feta Cheese: Generously sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top to add creaminess and a salty bite.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to lightly brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking to set, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for tzatziki if preferred, adding diced cucumber and herbs to mimic texture.
- Adjust seasoning and salt to your taste, considering the saltiness of the feta and olives.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your chicken broth and tzatziki sauce are gluten-free.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
