Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole: 7 Easy Steps

Name: Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon paprika; 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 medium cucumber, sliced thinly (for garnish, optional); ½ cup crumbled feta cheese; ½ cup chopped fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If your evenings often feel like a marathon between work, kids, errands, and the mystery of what’s for dinner, this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole might just become your new best friend. It’s one of those magical meals where you literally toss everything into a dish, let the oven do the heavy lifting, and end up with something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Spoiler alert: you didn’t.

This recipe is creamy, tangy, and oh-so comforting, thanks to the tzatziki sauce and Mediterranean-inspired spices. It’s a lifesaver on nights when you want dinner to feel special without dirtying every pan in the kitchen. (Because let’s be honest, nobody’s got the energy for a sink full of dishes after 9 p.m.)

Why You’ll Love This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

Effortless prep: No stovetop, no pre-cooking rice, no juggling multiple pans. Just dump, bake, and relax.
Mediterranean vibes: Between the tzatziki, oregano, feta, and cucumber, it feels like a little vacation for your taste buds.
Family-approved: Creamy chicken + fluffy rice = comfort food kids and adults both devour.
One-pan wonder: Dinner and cleanup in the same dish? Yes, please.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup long-grain white rice
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 medium cucumber (sliced thinly for garnish, optional)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup chopped fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)

How to Make Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

This recipe is the definition of weeknight magic. You don’t need fancy skills, hours of prep, or even extra pots and pans. Everything happens in one dish, and your oven does the hard work while you kick back (or, let’s be real, fold that never-ending laundry pile). Here’s how it comes together:

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures nothing sticks, and you’ll thank yourself later when cleanup takes about two minutes instead of ten.

2. Build the Base with Rice and Broth

Pour the uncooked long-grain rice into the bottom of the dish. Think of this as your cozy foundation—fluffy, hearty, and ready to soak up all those delicious flavors. Add the chicken broth, making sure the rice is fully submerged. This little detail matters because submerged rice = evenly cooked, tender grains.

3. Layer in the Chicken

Next, scatter your bite-sized chicken pieces over the rice. Don’t worry about arranging them perfectly—this is a “dump and bake” dinner, after all. Just make sure they’re spread out so every piece cooks through.

Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika. These simple pantry spices instantly give your chicken a warm, Mediterranean-inspired flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce coming next.

4. Smother with Tzatziki Sauce

Now comes the star of the show—tzatziki sauce. Spoon it generously over the chicken, then use the back of the spoon to spread it out. This isn’t just for looks—the sauce locks in moisture, keeps the chicken tender, and infuses the whole casserole with that tangy, herby goodness we all love about tzatziki.

5. Bake Until Perfection

Cover your dish tightly with foil (this traps in steam so the rice cooks through) and slide it into the oven. Bake for 35–40 minutes, then check. The chicken should be cooked through, and the rice fluffy and tender.

If you notice a little extra liquid hanging around, no stress! Just remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes. The excess broth will absorb, leaving you with perfectly balanced rice.

6. Add the Finishing Touches

Once it’s baked, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes—yes, patience is key here. This short break helps everything settle and makes scooping easier. Then sprinkle on crumbled feta for a salty kick, a shower of fresh parsley or dill for brightness, and thin cucumber slices for crunch. Suddenly, your casserole looks like something you’d proudly serve at a dinner party.

7. Serve & Enjoy

Grab a big spoon, scoop into warm bowls, and watch this dish disappear. The combination of fluffy rice, juicy chicken, and creamy tzatziki is pure comfort with a fresh, Mediterranean twist.

Tips for Success

Rice check: Use long-grain white rice, not instant rice. The slow bake gives you fluffy results.
Homemade tzatziki? Totally optional, but if you have an extra cucumber hanging around, homemade can add even more freshness.
Make it ahead: Assemble in the morning, cover, and refrigerate. Pop it in the oven at dinnertime.

True story: I once threw this together after a day that felt like 400 emails long. By the time it came out of the oven, my kitchen smelled like a cozy hug, and my family thought I’d worked some kind of magic. Nope—just a casserole dish and tzatziki sauce.

Bowl of Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole with lemon slices, fresh dill, and creamy tzatziki sauce served over rice. — A bright and flavorful Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole, topped with lemon wedges and dill for a fresh Mediterranean touch.

FAQs About Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.

Can I make this with brown rice?

You can, but it’ll need more liquid (about 2 cups broth) and extra baking time—closer to 50–55 minutes.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.

What goes well on the side?

A simple Greek salad or roasted veggies pair perfectly with this casserole.

Bringing It All Together

This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s easy, flavorful, and full of Mediterranean charm—all in one pan. Whether you’re juggling a busy week or just craving a cozy dinner without the fuss, this casserole is the kind of recipe that’ll quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation.

So go ahead—dump, bake, and let the oven work its magic. Dinner’s about to get a whole lot easier (and tastier).

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this cozy one-pan Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole, you might also love these flavorful and easy-to-make dishes:

Try my Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma for another Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s bursting with spice and tenderness.
Craving comfort food in soup form? Warm up with a bowl of Mexican Beef and Rice Soup—hearty, filling, and perfect for chilly nights.
For a fun twist on weeknight pasta, my Beef Black Pepper Udon is savory, peppery, and comes together in a snap.
And if you’re looking for a refreshing side dish to pair with your casserole, don’t miss the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad—it’s creamy, tangy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

If you make this casserole, I’d love to hear what you think—leave a quick review below to let me know how it turned out for you! And don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more easy, comforting recipes you can save and cook anytime.