Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
Simplify your weeknight dinner with this effortless one-pan meal. Featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts layered over fluffy rice, smothered in creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella, this Mediterranean-inspired casserole is comfort food at its finest. It’s a fast, flavorful, and low-cleanup solution for busy days.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- measuring cups/spoons
Ingredients
- Chicken & Base:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cooked rice ideally cooked in low-sodium chicken broth
- Sauce & Toppings:
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cucumber chopped
- ¼ cup red onion sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Season: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Layer: Spread the cooked rice in an even layer at the bottom of the 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with the seasoned chicken.
- Top: Spoon the tzatziki sauce over the chicken, spreading it to cover all the meat. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese, chopped cucumber, red onion, and fresh dill over the top.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Finish: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Check that the chicken reaches 165°F. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~360 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fat: ~14g (5g saturated)
- Fiber: 1–2g
- Sodium: 450–500mg
- Key Nutrients: Calcium, Iron, Probiotics (from yogurt), Antioxidants (from garlic/dill).