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 breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup uncooked long grain or jasmine rice; 1 3/4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Optional toppings: diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley

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This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free dish that brings bold Mediterranean flavor straight to the dinner table—no stovetop required. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and cool, creamy tzatziki come together in one baking dish for an easy meal I can just mix, bake, and serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this casserole because it’s incredibly simple to make—everything goes right into the baking dish, and the oven does the work. The chicken turns out juicy, the rice soaks up all the savory flavors, and the tzatziki adds a tangy, creamy finish. It’s a lighter, refreshing take on comfort food, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want something wholesome but hands-off.

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 bite-sized pieces)
Uncooked white rice (long grain or jasmine)
Chicken broth
Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Garlic (minced)
Lemon juice
Dried oregano
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Optional toppings: diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, chopped parsley

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
I add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, tzatziki, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to the dish. I stir it all together to combine.
I stir in the raw chicken pieces and make sure everything is evenly distributed in the dish.
I cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
I remove the foil, fluff the rice, and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
I top it with fresh cucumber, tomatoes, olives, crumbled feta, or parsley if I want extra flavor and color.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings. It takes just 10 minutes to prep and 45–50 minutes to bake, so it’s ready in about 1 hour total.

Variations

Sometimes I use quinoa instead of rice, adjusting the liquid slightly. I’ve also stirred in spinach or chopped artichoke hearts before baking for extra veggies. When I want more creaminess, I swirl in extra tzatziki just before serving. And if I want it dairy-free, I use a vegan tzatziki and skip the feta.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth if the rice has dried out. It also makes a great meal prep lunch—it reheats really well.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but it needs a longer cooking time (about 60–70 minutes) and extra liquid. I cover it tightly and check for doneness before serving.

What kind of tzatziki should I use?

I use a thick, creamy tzatziki—either homemade or from the store. Plain Greek yogurt with garlic, cucumber, and lemon also works in a pinch.

Do I have to cook the chicken first?

Nope! That’s the beauty of this dish. The chicken cooks right in the oven with the rice and broth.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, I skip the chicken and add chickpeas or tofu instead. It’s still full of flavor and super satisfying.

What can I serve with this casserole?

I usually serve it with a simple green salad, warm pita bread, or a side of roasted veggies like zucchini or eggplant.

Conclusion

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a no-stress, flavor-packed dinner that brings the best of Greek-inspired ingredients into one easy dish. With tender chicken, creamy tzatziki, and fluffy rice baked to perfection, it’s the kind of meal I can always count on when I want something simple, delicious, and satisfying.