Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole Bowl
This one-pan, no-fuss casserole blends the refreshing taste of tzatziki with tender baked chicken, fluffy rice, and Mediterranean herbs. You just mix everything, bake, and enjoy! It’s creamy yet light, comforting yet healthy — the perfect weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.
⏱️ Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
1 cup uncooked basmati or jasmine rice
1 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup Greek yogurt
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
½ cup diced cucumber (optional, for light crunch after baking)
For the Tzatziki Topping (added after baking):
½ cup Greek yogurt
¼ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp dill (fresh or dried)
Salt to taste
Optional Add-ins:
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup chopped spinach or kale
Garnish:
Fresh parsley or dill
Extra lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Assemble the Casserole
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a 9×9-inch baking dish (or similar), add:
Chicken pieces
Uncooked rice
Chicken broth
Olive oil
Garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir everything together evenly.
4. Cover tightly with foil.
Step 2: Bake
1. Bake covered for 35–40 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
2. Remove foil and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
3. Let it rest for 5 minutes to absorb extra flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki
1. In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, and salt.
2. Chill in the fridge until serving.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
1. Spoon the baked chicken and rice into a bowl.
2. Add a generous dollop of fresh tzatziki on top.
3. Garnish with parsley, lemon wedges, and optional feta or cherry tomatoes.
Notes & Tips
Make it creamy: Stir in a spoonful of tzatziki into the hot casserole before serving for a saucy finish.
Low-carb option: Swap rice for cauliflower rice (add it halfway through baking so it doesn’t get mushy).
Add veggies: Zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers bake beautifully with the chicken.
Meal prep friendly: Keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Stir it in during the last 10 minutes of baking so it doesn’t dry out.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a coconut-based yogurt alternative for the tzatziki and sauce.
Q: Can I bake it in advance?
Yes — reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes before serving.
️ Nutritional Information
Calories: ~430 kcal
Protein: 36g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 2g