Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole: An Easy Mediterranean Comfort Food

When you want a wholesome, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort, this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a perfect choice. Combining tender chicken breast pieces, fragrant long-grain rice, creamy tzatziki sauce, and fresh Mediterranean herbs, this casserole delivers comforting yet fresh flavors in one simple dish.

The best part? This recipe requires little hands-on time. You “dump” all ingredients into a casserole dish, cover, and bake. The oven does the rest of the work, gently cooking the chicken and rice while infusing them with the tangy creaminess of tzatziki and the aromatic herbs.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or feeding guests, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser. It strikes the perfect balance between convenience and gourmet flavor. Below, you’ll find everything you need to make this delicious Mediterranean-inspired casserole at home.

Why Choose This Recipe?

Mediterranean cuisine is celebrated for its fresh ingredients, balanced nutrition, and bold yet simple flavors. This recipe is inspired by those principles. Here’s why this casserole stands out:

• One-dish meal: No need to juggle multiple pots and pans. Everything cooks together in one dish for easy cleanup.
• Balanced nutrition: Chicken provides lean protein, rice offers complex carbs, and tzatziki adds healthy fats and probiotics.
• Flavorful yet simple: Garlic, onion, oregano, and paprika provide a savory base, complemented by the cooling tzatziki.
• Meal prep friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake when ready.
• Family-friendly: Mild flavors appeal to all ages, but can be easily adjusted with spices for more adventurous eaters.

Ingredients and Their Roles

Let’s break down the key ingredients so you understand what makes this casserole special:

1. Long-Grain White Rice

This type of rice cooks up fluffy and separates nicely, absorbing the broth and flavors from the chicken and spices. It forms the hearty base of the casserole.

2. Low-Sodium Chicken Broth

Using low-sodium broth helps control the saltiness while infusing moisture and flavor into the rice as it bakes.

3. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts are a lean protein that cooks quickly and remain tender when baked with moisture from the broth and sauce.

4. Spices: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Oregano, Paprika

These herbs and spices build a savory, aromatic foundation characteristic of Mediterranean dishes.

5. Tzatziki Sauce

A creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. It adds tang, moisture, and a refreshing contrast to the warm casserole.

6. Optional Garnishes:

• Thinly sliced cucumber adds a crisp, fresh texture.
• Crumbled feta cheese lends a salty, creamy bite.
• Fresh parsley or dill provides herbal brightness and color.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.

Step 2: Add Rice and Broth

Pour 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice into the casserole dish. Pour 1½ cups of low-sodium chicken broth over the rice, spreading evenly to ensure the rice is submerged.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine 1½ pounds of bite-sized chicken breast pieces with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 4: Layer Chicken Over Rice

Spread the seasoned chicken evenly over the rice in the casserole dish. Do not stir — layering ensures even cooking.

Step 5: Top with Tzatziki Sauce

Spoon 1 cup of tzatziki sauce over the chicken and rice, gently spreading it out but without mixing. The sauce will meld into the chicken and rice during baking, creating a creamy texture.

Step 6: Cover and Bake

Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the broth and the chicken to cook through.

Step 7: Add Feta and Finish Baking

Remove the foil, sprinkle ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This melts and slightly browns the cheese.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, garnish with thin slices of cucumber and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the foil: Covering traps steam and cooks the rice evenly while keeping the chicken juicy.
• Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces: This ensures even cooking and makes serving easier.
• Check rice doneness: If rice isn’t fully cooked after 45 minutes, add a little more broth or water, cover, and bake for 5–10 more minutes.
• Make tzatziki homemade: Fresh tzatziki can be made by mixing Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and dill.

Variations to Try

• Use brown rice: Increase baking time to 60 minutes and add an extra ½ cup of broth.
• Add veggies: Stir in chopped spinach, diced tomatoes, or kalamata olives before baking for extra nutrition.
• Swap chicken for thighs: Dark meat chicken adds richness and moisture; adjust cooking time as needed.
• Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free yogurt for tzatziki and omit feta or use a plant-based alternative.
• Add heat: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with simple sides such as:

• A fresh Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and red onion
• Warm pita bread or flatbread for scooping
• Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers
• A light lemon vinaigrette dressed greens

Storage and Meal Prep

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and more forgiving. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly.

What if I don’t have tzatziki sauce?

You can make a quick tzatziki by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and dill. Alternatively, plain Greek yogurt works as a substitute.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use dairy-free yogurt and cheese alternatives.

Final Thoughts

The Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a versatile, delicious, and fuss-free recipe that embodies the best of Mediterranean flavors in a convenient one-dish meal. It’s perfect for busy nights, casual dinners, or meal prepping for the week.

The balance of tender chicken, fluffy rice, creamy tzatziki, and fresh herbs offers a meal that feels both comforting and bright. Plus, the easy assembly and baking make it accessible for cooks of all levels.

Try this casserole and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table simple, wholesome, and utterly delicious.

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