The Easiest Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Ever! (Print Version)
How to make a Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole with tender chicken and creamy tzatziki that's perfect for busy weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10-15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25-35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Greek-Inspired
Dietary: Poultry
# Ingredients:
→ Casserole Foundation
01 -
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
03 -
1 cup plain Greek yogurt, full-fat (100% Greek, not regular)
04 -
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
05 -
1 medium English cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
→ Aromatic & Flavor Boosters
06 -
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
07 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
09 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
10 -
½ small red onion, finely diced
→ Essential Seasonings
11 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano (Greek variety)
12 -
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
13 -
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Finishing Touches
14 -
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
15 -
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
# Instructions:
01 -
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated (squeezed dry!) cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to create your creamy tzatziki base. Set aside for later.
02 -
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, add the uncooked rice, chicken pieces, chicken broth, olive oil, dried oregano, finely diced red onion, and remaining salt and pepper.
03 -
Stir all ingredients thoroughly in the baking dish until everything is well combined and the rice is evenly distributed. Ensure the rice is mostly submerged in the broth for proper cooking.
04 -
Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. This is your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole.
05 -
Carefully remove the foil from the hot casserole. Evenly spread the prepared creamy tzatziki mixture over the entire surface of the cooked chicken and rice for the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole.
06 -
Sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped parsley. Let your delicious Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
# Notes:
01 -
Always use full-fat Greek yogurt for authentic creaminess; regular yogurt will make the sauce watery.
02 -
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
03 -
For dairy-free, use a thick, unflavored plant-based yogurt (coconut/almond) for the tzatziki, noting potential flavor changes.
04 -
Serve warm with extra fresh dill, parsley, and lemon wedges, or alongside a crisp Greek salad.
05 -
Prepare the tzatziki mixture a day ahead and refrigerate; assemble and bake the casserole fresh for best results.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Oven
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
large mixing bowl
04 -
measuring cups
05 -
measuring spoons
06 -
knife
07 -
cutting board
08 -
grater
09 -
spoon or spatula
10 -
aluminum foil
11 -
clean kitchen towel
12 -
lemon juicer
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 14g
Total Carbohydrate: 32g
Protein: 23g