Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

Imagine the creamy, tangy flavors of tzatziki sauce enveloping tender chunks of chicken in a warm, comforting casserole. This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole transforms traditional Greek flavors into an effortless weeknight dinner that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor. The aromatic combination of dill, cucumber, and garlic creates a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. You’ll learn how to create this Mediterranean-inspired casserole with just minutes of hands-on time, letting your oven do the hard work while you enjoy the incredible aromas filling your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is about to become your new favorite weeknight solution. First, the convenience factor is unbeatable—simply combine ingredients, pour into a baking dish, and let the oven work its magic. No pre-cooking or complicated techniques required! The contrast between the juicy, tender chicken and the cool, creamy tzatziki-inspired sauce creates a textural symphony that keeps every bite interesting.

The Mediterranean flavor profile offers a refreshing change from typical casseroles, combining the bright notes of lemon and dill with the richness of Greek yogurt. It’s also a protein-packed, nutritious option that will satisfy the whole family while keeping dinner light and fresh. The cucumber adds a subtle crunch against the creamy background, while the garlic and herbs infuse throughout for a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare—even though you spent just minutes in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For this easy Greek chicken bake, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 cups (480g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat provides the best results)
• 1 large cucumber (about 2 cups when diced), seeded and finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup (15g) fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (100g) crumbled feta cheese, divided
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup (75g) red onion, finely diced
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch
• 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Pro Tips

Chicken Preparation: For the most tender results in your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole, cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. If you have time, brine the chicken pieces in salt water for 15-30 minutes before adding them to the casserole—this simple step dramatically improves moisture retention during baking.

Perfect Tzatziki Texture: To prevent your casserole from becoming watery, properly drain the cucumber. After dicing, place the cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving that creamy, thick tzatziki-inspired sauce that makes this dish special.

Temperature Management: Start the casserole covered with foil to trap moisture and help the chicken cook through gently. Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly. For the best texture contrast, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking—this allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle, resulting in a more cohesive dish.

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This ensures your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole won’t stick during baking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. This creates the base of your tzatziki-inspired sauce that will infuse the chicken with amazing flavor as it bakes.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until no lumps remain. This slurry will help thicken your sauce as it bakes, preventing it from becoming too watery. Pour this mixture into your yogurt mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.

Step 4

Fold in the diced cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and ¾ cup of the crumbled feta cheese into the yogurt mixture. The vegetables will release flavor during baking, creating a delicious sauce for your chicken.

Step 5

Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and gently toss until each piece is well coated with the yogurt mixture. Make sure every piece gets coated for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 6

Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. If using the optional panko topping, combine the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the casserole for a crispy element.

Step 7

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of feta on top, and continue baking uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the top is lightly golden.

Step 8

Allow the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Variations

Mediterranean Vegetable Tzatziki Bake: Transform this chicken tzatziki casserole into a vegetable-forward dish by adding 1 cup of diced zucchini, 1 cup of diced bell peppers, and ½ cup of sliced kalamata olives. These Mediterranean vegetables complement the tzatziki flavors perfectly while adding vibrant color and additional nutrients. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with 2 cans of drained chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Lemon-Herb Chicken Tzatziki: For a brighter, more herb-forward version of this easy tzatziki chicken bake, double the lemon juice to 6 tablespoons and add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint along with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh oregano. This variation creates a more pronounced Mediterranean flavor profile that’s especially refreshing during warmer months. Finish with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for an additional pop of citrus.

Storage and Serving

Store any leftover Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making this dish excellent for meal prep. For reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

For a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal, serve this casserole over a bed of warm orzo pasta or alongside lemon-herb roasted potatoes. A simple Greek salad makes an excellent side dish, adding freshness and crunch to complement the creamy casserole. For a lighter option, serve with a side of steamed vegetables or wrapped in warm pita bread with extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.

For an elegant presentation, garnish each serving with additional fresh dill, a sprinkle of paprika, and a few lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over just before eating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole and often result in even juicier meat. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

How can I make this casserole lower in calories?
You can use 2% or fat-free Greek yogurt instead of full-fat, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy. You can also omit the breadcrumb topping and reduce the amount of feta cheese.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time since you’re starting with cold ingredients.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
You can substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt, though the flavor profile will change slightly. Omit the feta or use a dairy-free feta alternative.

What if my sauce is too watery after baking?
If your sauce is thinner than desired, you can remove the chicken pieces and reduce the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Conclusion

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a brilliant fusion of Mediterranean flavors transformed into an effortless weeknight meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that simplifies dinner prep without sacrificing flavor, giving you more time to enjoy with family while still putting something special on the table. Whether you’re looking to break out of a dinner rut or simply want to enjoy the bright, tangy flavors of tzatziki in a warm, comforting form, this casserole delivers on all fronts.

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