Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole (Print Version)
Chicken tzatziki casserole made with one dish and minimal prep. Tender chicken baked in creamy Greek-style sauce for an easy weeknight dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Greek
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Halal
# Ingredients:
→ Juicy Herb-Marinated Chicken
01 -
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch chunks
02 -
3 tbsp olive oil
03 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 tsp dried oregano
05 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
06 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Creamy Tzatziki Base
07 -
1 1/2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt
08 -
1 cup cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
09 -
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
10 -
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
11 -
1 tsp lemon zest
→ Mediterranean Veggie Layer
12 -
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 -
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
14 -
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
15 -
1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
→ Golden Feta Finish
16 -
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
17 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil. This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole | Easy Dinner comes together fast, so having your dish ready before you start saves valuable time.
02 -
In a large bowl, toss 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thigh chunks with 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Coat every piece thoroughly so the flavors penetrate the meat during baking.
03 -
In a separate bowl, stir together 1 1/2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt, 1 cup grated and squeezed-dry cucumber, 2 tbsp fresh chopped dill, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tsp lemon zest until smooth and well combined. Squeezing the cucumber dry is essential to prevent a watery casserole.
04 -
Spread the seasoned chicken evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Scatter 1/2 cup sliced red onion and 1 medium zucchini sliced into 1/4-inch rounds over the chicken, then top with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup halved Kalamata olives for a vibrant Mediterranean veggie layer.
05 -
Pour the creamy tzatziki base evenly over the chicken and vegetables, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer that covers everything. This is what makes this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole | Easy Dinner so uniquely delicious — the yogurt sauce bakes right into the dish.
06 -
Sprinkle 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese generously and evenly over the top of the tzatziki layer. The feta will turn lightly golden in the oven, creating a savory, slightly crispy finish that elevates the entire casserole with rich, briny flavor in every bite.
07 -
Bake uncovered at 400°F for 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F and the feta is golden at the edges. For the best Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole | Easy Dinner results, check doneness with a meat thermometer rather than guessing.
08 -
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Finish with 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley scattered over the top for a bright, herby garnish. Serve directly from the dish alongside warm pita bread, rice, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
# Notes:
01 -
💡 Tip: Squeezing your grated cucumber as dry as possible — using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels — is the single most important step to keeping this casserole creamy rather than watery. Don't skip it!
02 -
🔄 Substitution: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can replace chicken thighs, but reduce the bake time by 5–8 minutes and check for doneness early, as breasts cook faster and can dry out.
03 -
🧊 Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave at 70% power to prevent the yogurt layer from separating or drying out.
04 -
🍽️ Serving Tip: This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole | Easy Dinner pairs beautifully with warm pita bread, fluffy couscous, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad drizzled with olive oil and red wine vinegar for a full Mediterranean-inspired spread.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13-inch baking dish
02 -
box grater
03 -
mixing bowl
04 -
chef's knife
05 -
cutting board
06 -
measuring cups and spoons
07 -
oven
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 kcal
Total Fat: 29 g
Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
Protein: 52 g