Description
This Chicken Tzatziki Casserole is a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired twist on the classic weeknight bake. Juicy chunks of chicken and tender zucchini are baked in a rich, savory garlic-dill yogurt sauce, then topped with crumbled feta and crisp fresh cucumbers just before serving. It captures the cool, refreshing flavors of tzatziki in a warm, comforting, and naturally gluten-free dish.
Ingredients
— The Base —
1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper
— The Creamy Garlic-Dill Sauce —
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat is essential for baking)
¼ cup mayonnaise (helps stabilize the yogurt so it doesn’t split)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch (thickener)
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
— The Toppings —
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup English cucumber, diced (add AFTER baking)
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
2. Prep Chicken & Veggies: In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken and sliced zucchini with the olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
3. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the full-fat Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, cornstarch, and chopped fresh dill until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble: Pour the yogurt sauce evenly over the chicken and zucchini. Use a spatula to spread it out so everything is coated.
5. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F) and the sauce is bubbly and slightly set.
6. Add Cheese: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the hot casserole.
7. Finish (The Tzatziki Twist): Let the casserole cool for about 5–10 minutes. Just before serving, scatter the cool, diced fresh cucumber and extra fresh dill on top. This temperature contrast creates the signature tzatziki experience.
8. Serve: Serve warm with a side of lemon wedges and gluten-free pita or rice.
Notes
Yogurt Tip: You must use full-fat Greek yogurt. Low-fat or non-fat yogurts have high water content and will separate/curdle when baked.
Why Mayonnaise?: Adding a small amount of mayonnaise helps stabilize the yogurt sauce, ensuring it stays creamy under heat rather than grainy.
Cucumber: Do not bake the cucumber! Adding it fresh at the end provides the necessary crunch and freshness that makes this dish taste like tzatziki.
Carbs: This dish is low-carb on its own. Serve over cauliflower rice for keto, or with roasted potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 95
