Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

Alright, this chicken tzatziki casserole? It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with bold Mediterranean flavor in every bite. It’s like your favorite Greek wrap—just baked into one cozy, bubbly dish.

I whipped it up one night with leftover chicken and a craving for something fresh but comforting. Mixed the chicken with homemade tzatziki, added garlic, herbs, a little lemon, and layered it over rice or orzo. Baked it until golden on top and wow—it was everything I wanted.

You get that cool, creamy yogurt base with bright cucumber, dill, and juicy chicken. It’s light but still filling, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. If you love Mediterranean flavors and want something a little different, this casserole is a must-try.

Let’s get it in the oven—you’re gonna love how fresh and cozy it tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced Flavors: The lemon, garlic, herbs, and yogurt create a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken and rice.
• Full Meal in One Pan: Protein, grains, veggies, and sauce all come together in a single dish—no need to cook separate sides.
• Texture Variety: You get juicy chicken, soft rice, roasted veggies, and a creamy sauce all in one bite.
• Nutritious but Comforting: With lean protein, whole grains, and yogurt, this meal feels indulgent but is full of whole-food ingredients.
• Perfect for Batch Cooking: Bake it once, and you’ll have flavorful lunches or dinners for days.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes – This includes chopping vegetables, seasoning chicken, and preparing the base.
• Cook Time: 40 minutes – The casserole bakes covered first to steam the rice, then uncovered to develop color and texture.
• Total Time: 1 hour

Serving Size:

• Makes 1 large 9×13 casserole
• Serves 6 hungry people or 8 smaller portions

Skill Level:
Beginner-friendly. If you can chop veggies and mix spices, you can make this. It’s also a good intro to layering flavors in a baked dish.

Required Kitchen Tools

You don’t need fancy tools. Here’s what to grab:

• Large Skillet or Frying Pan: For browning the chicken before baking. This adds flavor.
• 9×13 Casserole Dish: Standard size for baking the full recipe. Glass or ceramic is best.
• Medium Saucepan (Optional): If you prefer to par-cook rice before baking.
• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For slicing chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
• Mixing Bowls: For seasoning meat and tossing vegetables.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy matters here for seasoning balance.
• Aluminum Foil: To cover the casserole for the first half of baking.

Ingredients for Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

Here’s a breakdown of every component, including how each one plays a role in flavor and texture.

For the Chicken:

• 1½ lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast – Cut into small, even pieces so they cook evenly and soak up seasoning.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil – For browning and helping the spices stick.
• 1 teaspoon Greek Seasoning – A mix of oregano, basil, garlic, and marjoram.
• ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika – Gives a warm, slightly smoky depth.
• ½ teaspoon Seasoning Salt – Boosts overall flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon Turmeric – Adds color and mild earthy flavor.
• Pinch of Cayenne Pepper – For subtle heat, optional.

For the Casserole Base:

• 1 cup Basmati or Long-Grain White Rice – Cooks in the oven, soaking up the chicken juices and broth.
• 2¼ cups Chicken Stock – Adds moisture and savory flavor while cooking the rice.
• 1 Zucchini (medium) – Sliced thin; softens beautifully in the bake.
• 1 Yellow Onion (small) – Adds sweetness and aroma.
• 1 cup Grape Tomatoes – Burst and caramelize slightly during baking.
• Zest and Juice of 1 Lemon – Brightens the entire dish and enhances the Greek profile.

For the Toppings:

• ½ cup Crumbled Feta Cheese – Salty and tangy; finishes the dish perfectly.
• ½ Red Onion, thinly sliced – Used for quick pickling.
• 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar – For the pickled red onion.
• 1 teaspoon Sugar + ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt – Balances the tang in the pickled onions.
• ½ cup Tzatziki Sauce – Cool, garlicky, and creamy; made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon.
• 1 tablespoon Toom Garlic Dip (optional) – For extra garlic lovers.
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Chopped Parsley – Adds freshness and color.

Optional for Serving:

• Warm Pita Bread – For scooping up bites or serving on the side.
• Extra Tzatziki – Because it’s delicious on everything.

How to Make Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This helps it brown instead of steam.
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, Greek seasoning, smoked paprika, seasoning salt, turmeric, and cayenne. Mix until every piece is well coated.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the chicken pieces for about 2–3 minutes per side. You don’t need to cook them through—they’ll finish in the oven. This step adds flavor.

Note: Browning the chicken is optional but highly recommended. It gives the dish a richer taste.

Step 2: Prep the Casserole Base

1. Rinse your basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear (this removes excess starch and prevents mushy rice).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the rice, chicken stock, lemon juice, lemon zest, zucchini slices, grape tomatoes, and chopped yellow onion.
3. Add a light sprinkle of salt and pepper, then pour this rice mixture into a greased 9×13 casserole dish. Spread evenly.

Step 3: Layer the Chicken

1. Once the rice base is in place, scatter the seared chicken pieces evenly on top. Don’t press them down.
2. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the steam and allows the rice to cook through evenly.

Step 4: Bake

1. Place the foil-covered casserole dish in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
2. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes uncovered. The rice should be fluffy and the chicken fully cooked.
3. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender.

Step 5: Pickle the Red Onions (While Baking)

1. In a small bowl, combine red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), sugar, and kosher salt.
2. Add the thinly sliced red onions and toss to coat. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. These add a tangy crunch on top.

Step 6: Add Final Toppings

1. Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes.
2. Spoon or drizzle tzatziki sauce over the top, followed by the pickled red onions, crumbled feta, Toom garlic dip (if using), and a handful of chopped parsley.

Variations for Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

• Swap the Protein: Try ground chicken, turkey, or rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Use Brown Rice: For more fiber, substitute with par-cooked brown rice. It takes longer to cook, so boil it partway before adding.
• Add More Veggies: Roasted red peppers, chopped spinach, or kalamata olives make great additions.
• Make it Spicy: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch more cayenne to the chicken rub.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free yogurt-based tzatziki and skip the feta.

How to Serve Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal, but here are a few ways to dress it up or stretch it further:

• With Pita Bread: Toasted pita triangles are perfect for scooping bites.
• With a Side Salad: A simple cucumber, tomato, and red onion salad tossed in olive oil and vinegar keeps the flavors fresh.
• As a Bowl: Scoop portions into bowls and top with extra tzatziki, lemon wedges, and olives for a Greek-inspired bowl.
• For Lunches: Divide into meal prep containers with a few greens or roasted veggies on the side.

Storing Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The rice will continue to absorb flavor.
• Freezer: This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, until warmed through.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Basmati or Long-Grain Rice: These types stay fluffy and cook evenly without becoming mushy.
• Rinse the Rice: This removes surface starch and helps prevent clumping.
• Cover Tightly When Baking: Trapping steam ensures the rice cooks fully and evenly.
• Let It Rest: After baking, resting helps the moisture redistribute so you don’t end up with soggy or dry edges.
• Season at Every Step: Layering seasoning—on the chicken, in the rice, and in the toppings—adds depth.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount (Per Serving, est.)
Calories	420
Protein	34g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fiber	3g
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	5g
Sugar	5g
Sodium	610mg

Note: Values are estimates based on standard ingredients and portion sizes.

Chicken Tzatziki Casserole FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can skip the searing step and layer in diced rotisserie chicken or grilled leftovers.

What if my rice isn’t fully cooked?
Cover the dish again and return it to the oven with a splash of extra broth. Bake another 10 minutes.

Is this dish spicy?
Only mildly. You can omit the cayenne if sensitive to spice or add more if you like heat.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble the casserole (uncooked), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Conclusion

Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a flavorful, balanced one-pan meal packed with Mediterranean goodness. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a casual gathering. The mix of creamy tzatziki, roasted veggies, spiced chicken, and lemony rice creates something comforting yet fresh.

This recipe offers flexibility, ease, and a taste that keeps people coming back for more.