A Flavorful Fusion of Creamy and Savory Delight
This Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a delightful combination of tender, marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce baked to perfection. Bursting with Greek-inspired flavors, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Mediterranean flavors: The blend of garlic, lemon, dill, and yogurt infuses the chicken with a zesty, tangy taste.
- Easy and convenient: A one-pan dish that simplifies cooking while maximizing flavor.
- Healthy and nutritious: Packed with protein, vitamins, and probiotics from the yogurt-based tzatziki sauce.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, pita bread, or a fresh side salad.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup cucumber, diced (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, dill, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until well coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread the marinated chicken evenly. Add the sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives over the chicken.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly golden on top.
Step 4: Add the Tzatziki and Finishing Touches
Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly spread the tzatziki sauce over the top. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and return to the oven for another 5 minutes until heated through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and diced cucumber if desired. Serve warm with rice, pita, or a side salad.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or tofu.
- Dairy-free option: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the tzatziki and omit feta cheese.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat.
- Low-carb version: Serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of greens.
Servings and Cooking Time
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes (plus marinating time)
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make homemade tzatziki sauce?
Combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, ½ grated cucumber (squeezed dry), 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, and salt to taste. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in chicken thighs may require 10-15 extra minutes to cook through.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, couscous, roasted vegetables, or warm pita bread.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything except the tzatziki and feta, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, then add the toppings before serving.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, if served without rice or pita, this casserole is low in carbs and fits well within a keto diet.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and more flavorful.
What’s the best way to marinate the chicken?
For optimal flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best for deeper infusion.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw completely before marinating to ensure even cooking.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check store-bought tzatziki and seasonings for hidden gluten.
Can I add more vegetables?
Certainly! Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would make excellent additions to this casserole.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings bold flavors to your table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a hearty dish for guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean at home!
PrintMediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a flavorful, one-pan dish featuring marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for an easy, healthy dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, dill, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread marinated chicken in a baking dish and top with sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives.
- Bake the Casserole
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly golden.
- Add Tzatziki and Finishing Touches
- Remove from oven, spread tzatziki sauce evenly over the top, and sprinkle with crumbled feta.
- Return to oven for 5 more minutes until warmed through.
- Garnish and Serve
- Let rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and diced cucumber.
- Serve warm with rice, pita, or a side salad.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave in short intervals.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble (without tzatziki and feta), refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.
- Substitutions: Use dairy-free tzatziki for a dairy-free version; swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken casserole, tzatziki chicken bake, healthy Greek casserole, easy Mediterranean dinner, baked chicken with tzatziki