Name: Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491598H24M31S
Total time: PT-491598H24M31S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked short pasta (penne or rotini); 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, chopped; 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 medium zucchini, chopped; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (for topping); Optional: fresh dill or parsley for garnish

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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired dish that comes together with almost no effort. With juicy chicken, tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce, everything bakes together in one dish—no stovetop required. I love making this when I want something healthy, hearty, and hands-off.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy—no pre-cooking, no extra pans, and minimal cleanup. The tzatziki sauce gives the casserole a creamy, herby base that keeps the chicken and pasta moist while it bakes. It’s full of bright Mediterranean flavors, and it’s a complete meal in one pan. Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Uncooked short pasta (like penne or rotini)
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (chopped)
Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Cherry tomatoes (halved)
Red onion (thinly sliced)
Zucchini (chopped)
Chicken broth or water
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Dried oregano
Salt and pepper
Crumbled feta cheese (for topping)
Optional: fresh dill or parsley for garnish

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large baking dish, I combine the uncooked pasta, chopped chicken, cherry tomatoes, onion, zucchini, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
I pour in the tzatziki sauce and chicken broth, then stir everything together so the pasta is evenly coated and submerged.
I drizzle the top with olive oil and cover the dish tightly with foil.
I bake for 35–40 minutes, then uncover, stir, and check the pasta for doneness.
If needed, I bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until the pasta is tender and the top is slightly golden.
I remove from the oven, sprinkle with crumbled feta, and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. I garnish with fresh dill or parsley if I have some on hand.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings. It takes 10 minutes to prep and 40–50 minutes to bake, so it’s ready in just under 1 hour.

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped spinach or artichoke hearts for extra veggies. I’ve also made it with orzo instead of regular pasta for a lighter texture. If I want a dairy-free version, I use a dairy-free tzatziki and skip the feta.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm individual portions in the microwave or heat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until hot. I sometimes add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken?

Yes. I reduce the baking time slightly since the chicken doesn’t need to cook through—just long enough for the pasta to cook.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Definitely. I check it a bit earlier since gluten-free pasta can cook faster or break down more easily.

What if I don’t have tzatziki?

I mix plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic, cucumber, dill, and salt for a quick homemade version.

Do I have to use foil?

Yes, at least for the first part of baking. It helps trap steam so the pasta cooks evenly without drying out.

Can I freeze this casserole?

It’s best fresh or refrigerated. Freezing may change the texture of the pasta and yogurt-based sauce.

Conclusion

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a no-fuss, flavorful dinner that brings Mediterranean comfort to the table with minimal effort. With creamy sauce, bright veggies, and tender chicken, it’s a wholesome one-dish meal I can rely on any night of the week.