Name: Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/3 cup grated cucumber; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 garlic cloves; 1 teaspoon dried dill; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and black pepper; Juice of 1 lemon; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro

Jump to Recipe

Chicken Tzatziki Casserole brings classic Mediterranean flavor into a simple, comforting oven-baked meal. This Chicken Tzatziki Casserole blends tender chicken, fluffy rice, garlic, herbs, and creamy yogurt into one dish that cooks beautifully in the oven. Because everything goes into a single baking dish, cleanup stays minimal while flavor stays bold. Whether you need a dependable family dinner or a stress-free meal prep option, this casserole delivers fresh Greek-inspired taste with very little hands-on work.

Story

This Chicken Tzatziki Casserole came from the need for a reliable weeknight meal that still felt special. Greek flavors always bring brightness to the table, and tzatziki sauce adds a cool, tangy balance to baked chicken and rice. Instead of cooking each component separately, this recipe keeps everything together so the rice absorbs the seasoned broth and the chicken stays juicy. As a result, Chicken Tzatziki Casserole works perfectly as a bold Dump and Bake Dinner when time feels tight but a homemade meal still matters.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 ½ cups chicken broth or water
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
⅓ cup grated cucumber, excess liquid squeezed out
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried dill or 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
½ cup crumbled feta cheese, optional
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Measure the rice and liquid carefully so the grains cook evenly. Cut the chicken into uniform pieces, then mince the garlic and grate the cucumber, pressing out excess moisture to keep the casserole creamy rather than watery.

Cooking Instructions

Stir the rice, broth, olive oil, garlic, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper directly in the baking dish until evenly mixed. Spread the chicken pieces over the rice mixture. In a small bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt, cucumber, and lemon juice, then gently spread this mixture over the chicken and rice. Cover tightly with foil and bake until the rice turns tender and the chicken reaches 165°F, then finish uncovered with feta for a lightly melted topping.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the foil during baking often causes uneven rice texture. Also, avoid adding watery cucumber, since excess liquid can thin the yogurt layer. Measuring the liquid correctly keeps the rice fluffy instead of mushy.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

Fresh herbs add brightness just before serving, while a squeeze of lemon sharpens the creamy yogurt. For deeper Greek flavor, this casserole pairs well with bold Greek Chicken Rice seasoning blends or a pinch of smoked paprika.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve Chicken Tzatziki Casserole warm with pita bread, sliced cucumbers, or a crisp tomato salad. The creamy rice and savory chicken make it filling enough to stand alone, yet flexible enough for a full Mediterranean spread.

How to Store Leftovers

Cool leftovers completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth to maintain moisture, making this dish ideal as an bold Easy Casserole option for meal prep.

Conclusion

This Chicken Tzatziki Casserole proves that simple ingredients can still deliver big flavor. With minimal prep and one baking dish, it fits seamlessly into busy schedules while still offering comfort and freshness. If you enjoy reliable meals that balance ease and taste, this casserole deserves a regular spot in your dinner rotation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well, but it needs additional liquid and a longer baking time. Expect closer to 50 minutes of covered baking to achieve tender results.

Is store-bought tzatziki okay for this recipe?

Store-bought tzatziki works as a shortcut. Thin it slightly with lemon juice or water so it spreads evenly over the chicken and rice.

Can this casserole be prepared ahead of time?

You can assemble everything up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours. Bake it fresh when ready for best texture and flavor.