Dump & Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole- so easy!

Name: Dump & Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole- so easy!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 cup rice; 1 lb chicken breast (cubed); 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled); 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp paprika; 1/4 cup tzatziki; 1 English cucumber (diced); 1 lemon (juiced)

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Easy dump and bake chicken tzatziki casserole packed with Mediterranean flavor—perfect for busy nights, meal prep, and minimal cleanup!

When life gets busy (and let’s be honest, when isn’t it?), easy dinner solutions are lifesavers. That’s where this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole steps in to save your sanity. This one-pan meal brings all the Mediterranean flavors you love—garlic, lemon, creamy tzatziki, and tender chicken—into a hearty, satisfying rice casserole with minimal effort and maximum flavor. No stovetop prep, no separate saucepans, just one casserole dish, a few pantry staples, and a hot oven.

Whether you’re navigating busy weeknights, planning your meal prep, or just want a flavorful meal without dirtying every dish in your kitchen, this chicken tzatziki bake is a true game-changer. It’s healthy, warm, and satisfying—just what you need when you’re craving Mediterranean cuisine without leaving your house. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely fall in love with this simple, delicious dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dump-and-bake magic: Just toss everything into a baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and let the oven do the rest. No searing, sautéing, or pre-cooking required.
One-pan cleanup: Less mess = more time for you. Everything bakes in a single casserole dish for the easiest cleanup imaginable.
Customizable & healthy: Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter twist, or swap in boneless skinless chicken thighs if that’s what you’ve got. You can even throw in extras like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or kalamata olives.
Perfect for meal prep: Store in individual containers and enjoy flavorful chicken tzatziki bowls all week long.
Balanced and nutritious: Between lean boneless skinless chicken breasts, fluffy rice, veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce, it’s a complete meal packed with protein and flavor.

ingredients in dump and bake chicken casserole

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this easiest chicken tzatziki bake:

1 cup white rice: Uncooked. You can use basmati rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice with minor adjustments to cook time and liquid.
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed: For that juicy, tender chicken. Thighs work great too!
1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and keeps the rice mixture moist.
1/2 cup feta cheese: Briny and creamy—an essential in any Greek chicken dish.
1 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika: These spices bring bold, Mediterranean flavors with a hint of warmth.
1/4 cup tzatziki: Use store-bought tzatziki sauce for ease, or go with homemade tzatziki sauce for a personal touch.
1 English cucumber, chopped: Fresh, crunchy, and refreshing on top.
1 fresh lemon, juiced: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the entire dish.
Optional additions: Cherry tomatoes, red onions, fresh parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

How to Make This Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
In the dish, combine the uncooked rice, cubed chicken, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika. Stir until well combined.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and place in the oven. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice cooks through and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

dump and bake casserole with chicken and rice

Once done, fluff the rice mixture and spoon it into bowls. Top with chopped cucumber, feta cheese, a dollop of tzatziki, and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley, a few cherry tomatoes, or serve with warm pita bread.

chicken casserole topped with tzatziki sauce dump and bake

How to Store Your Leftovers

This chicken tzatziki casserole is fantastic as leftovers and holds up beautifully for meal prep:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth if the rice has absorbed too much liquid.
Freeze: Yes! Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Pro tip: Store toppings like cucumber, feta, and tzatziki separately to keep them fresh and crisp when reheating.

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Tips for Making the Best Chicken Tzatziki Bake

Use the right type of rice: Basmati rice or white rice works best for this method. If using brown rice, increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes and add a bit more broth.
Avoid too much liquid: Stick to the recommended broth-to-rice ratio. Adding extra can result in a mushy texture.
Check for doneness: If your rice is still firm, cover and bake for extra minutes—every oven is a little different.
Add veggies: This dish welcomes bell peppers, red onions, or even a handful of cherry tomatoes for color and flavor.
Finish with flair: A drizzle of olive oil, sprinkle of black pepper, and chopped fresh herbs like dill or mint can elevate the finished dish.

Whether you’re new to the bake method or just looking for your next favorite chicken recipe, this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a great way to bring delicious Middle East-inspired flavor to your dinner table without the fuss. The total cooking time may be under an hour, but the results taste like something you’d find in your favorite Mediterranean café. Go ahead, bookmark this one—you’ll be making it again and again.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rice instead of uncooked?

You can, but reduce the chicken broth significantly—try 1/4 cup just to keep everything moist. Add the rice in the last 10 minutes of baking time to avoid overcooking.

What’s the best chicken to use?

We recommend boneless skinless chicken breasts for a lean option, but boneless skinless chicken thighs work great if you prefer more richness and tenderness.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for a can of chickpeas or some roasted cauliflower. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What’s a good side dish?

This is a complete meal, but you could serve it with a crisp Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or warm pita bread for scooping up all that garlicky yogurt sauce.

How do I make my own tzatziki?

Just mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and fresh dill in a small bowl. Let it chill for 10–15 minutes to develop flavor.