Name: Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks; 1 cup uncooked white rice; 1.75 cups chicken broth or water; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 zucchini or cucumber, chopped (remove seeds if using cucumber); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1.25 cups tzatziki sauce, divided; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s as easy as it is flavorful. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, I can toss everything into a baking dish and let the oven do the work. It’s creamy, herby, and packed with that signature tzatziki flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe takes all the classic flavors of a Greek gyro and transforms them into a warm, comforting casserole. It’s a one-pan meal that saves me time and cleanup, while still delivering on taste. The creamy tzatziki, juicy chicken, and tender vegetables bake together perfectly, making this a go-to dinner when I want something fast but satisfying. 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 breast or thighs, cut into chunks
Store-bought or homemade tzatziki sauce
Uncooked white rice
Chicken broth or water
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Red onion, thinly sliced
Zucchini or cucumber, chopped (if using cucumber, I remove the seeds)
Garlic powder
Dried oregano
Salt and pepper
Crumbled feta cheese
Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In the baking dish, I mix the uncooked rice with chicken broth, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
I stir in the chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and zucchini (or cucumber).
I add half of the tzatziki sauce and mix everything together directly in the dish.
I cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
I remove the foil, dollop or spread the remaining tzatziki over the top, and sprinkle with crumbled feta. Then I bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes.
Before serving, I garnish with chopped dill or parsley if I have it on hand.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings and takes around 1 hour total: 10 minutes of prep and 50 minutes of baking. It’s the kind of meal I love making on a busy weeknight or lazy Sunday.

Variations

Sometimes I switch the rice for quinoa or orzo for a different texture. If I want a bit more heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a low-carb version, I’ve also tried using riced cauliflower (just reduce the liquid). I’ve even added chopped spinach or olives for extra Mediterranean flair.

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 it looks a little dry, I add a splash of broth or water before reheating. Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

FAQs

Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked?

I don’t recommend it, since the casserole is designed to cook everything together. If I use cooked rice, it can get mushy, and the liquid ratio won’t be right.

What kind of tzatziki should I use?

I like using thick, creamy tzatziki—store-bought works fine, but homemade always gives it a fresher taste.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble everything (except for the second layer of tzatziki and feta), cover, and refrigerate. When I’m ready, I just bake as directed.

Is cucumber okay to bake?

Yes, but I always remove the seeds to avoid extra moisture, or I swap it for zucchini which holds up better in the oven.

Can I freeze this casserole?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing it after baking because of the dairy in tzatziki. But I have frozen it unbaked (without the tzatziki topping), then added the fresh toppings after reheating.

Conclusion

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole brings together simple ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors in the easiest way possible. It’s a cozy, satisfying dish that I can throw together with almost no effort—and still feel like I’m eating something special. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a quick meal-prep idea, this casserole always hits the spot.