Name: Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Recipe
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

Introduction

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your dinner table with minimal effort. Tender chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, and perfectly cooked rice combine into a wholesome and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

This image shows a white bowl filled with three main layers. The bottom layer is a bed of cooked rice mixed with small pieces of yellow bell pepper, giving it a soft texture and a pale yellow color with bright yellow spots. On top, there are two thick slices of grilled chicken breast with golden brown grill marks and a slightly charred, crispy surface. The top layer is a generous dollop of creamy white sauce mixed with finely chopped green herbs, spread unevenly over the chicken and rice. A spoon rests in the bowl, and the background shows a white marbled surface with some greenery blurred in the back. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the baking dish. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the rice is fully submerged for even cooking.

Step 3: Scatter the chicken pieces on top of the rice. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika evenly over the chicken.

Step 4: Spoon the tzatziki sauce over the chicken, spreading it gently with the back of a spoon to coat the chicken well.

Step 5: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. If needed, bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes to absorb excess liquid.

Step 6: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with crumbled feta, fresh parsley or dill, and cucumber slices if using.

Step 7: Serve warm and enjoy the fresh, flavorful Mediterranean taste.

Tips & Variations

Use homemade tzatziki for extra freshness or swap with a Greek yogurt mixed with cucumber and garlic if preferred.

Double the recipe to serve a larger crowd or for convenient meal prep.

Try adding chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra Mediterranean twist.

For a spicier version, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes over the chicken before baking.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. If using brown rice, increase the broth to about 2 ½ cups and bake for a longer period, checking for tenderness.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

This casserole freezes well before baking. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.