I love quick dinners that still taste special, and Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is one of my go-to dishes. I make it on busy nights when I want something fresh, warm, and easy to share, and it always brings a smile.
Gathering Your Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
The Tools That Help
I keep this dish simple. You need a mixing bowl, a greased casserole dish, a spoon to mix, measuring cups, and a sheet of aluminum foil. An oven that heats to 375°F helps, of course.
The Step-by-Step Process
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, tzatziki sauce, rice or quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and dill.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Drizzle a little olive oil on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and lightly golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Lighter, Healthier Touches
Swap in brown rice or extra quinoa for more fiber, and use low-fat tzatziki to cut calories without losing flavor. If you want another easy and comforting option, I also like to keep a lighter chicken dumpling casserole on my rotation for cozy nights.
Perfect Pairings
This casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad and lemon wedges. For a heartier spread, serve with roasted vegetables or warm pita. If you want a rice-focused side, my chicken wild rice casserole makes a nice companion for family meals.
Common Stumbles to Avoid
Do not skip seasoning the mix. Tzatziki is flavorful, but the mix still needs salt and pepper to pop. Avoid overcooking the bake; remove the foil when it is close to done so the top browns lightly. If your tomatoes are watery, pat them dry first.
Storing Your Creation
Cool the casserole completely before sealing it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warm.
A Final Warm Word
I love how this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole brings simple things together into a bright, cozy meal. Make it when you want an easy dinner that still feels like home.
Answering Your Questions
Can I make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole ahead of time?
I often get asked if you can make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole ahead. Yes, you can assemble it and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole?
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole? Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is perfect here and saves time while keeping the dish tasty.
Is Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole freezer friendly?
Is this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole freezer friendly? Yes. Cool it, freeze in a tight container, and reheat from thawed in the oven until hot throughout.
Print
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and easy casserole featuring chicken, tzatziki sauce, rice, and fresh vegetables, perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, tzatziki sauce, rice or quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and dill.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Drizzle a little olive oil on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and lightly golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Also freezer friendly for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: casserole, chicken, tzatziki, easy dinner, Mediterranean