Description
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish combining tender chicken breasts with creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and vibrant herbs. This simple yet elegant casserole offers effortless preparation by dumping all ingredients into a baking dish and baking until golden and flavorful. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining, it delivers a comforting, wholesome meal packed with protein and fresh, bright flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup thick full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Vegetables & Add-ins
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 medium red onion, chopped
Toppings & Garnishes
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional fresh dill for garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for drizzling
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Serving Suggestions (Optional)
- Pita bread, warm
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and slice them into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and uniform cooking.
- Mix the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed of excess water), minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a baking dish, evenly layer the chicken pieces. Sprinkle the chopped red onions, halved cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives evenly over the chicken. Pour the tzatziki sauce all over the mixture, coating every piece thoroughly.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and drizzle with olive oil. Scatter chopped parsley and additional dill over the surface to enhance fresh herbal notes.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Serve on its own or alongside warm pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Use thick, full-fat Greek yogurt to achieve the creamiest tzatziki sauce.
- Drain the grated cucumber thoroughly to prevent watery sauce.
- Slice chicken pieces evenly for uniform cooking.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to allow flavors to settle.
- Add fresh herbs like dill and parsley near the end to preserve their bright flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Dump-and-Bake, Chicken Tzatziki, Mediterranean Casserole, Easy Dinner, Greek Yogurt, Healthy Chicken
