Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe
Introduction
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a simple, all-in-one meal that brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Juicy chicken bakes together with fluffy rice and a creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Spread the rice evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish. Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top, then season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, and lemon juice to make the tzatziki sauce. Stir until well mixed.
- Step 4: Spoon the tzatziki sauce evenly over the chicken. Pour the chicken broth over everything in the casserole dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender and fluffy.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in some tzatziki sauce for 30 minutes before assembling the dish.
- Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make a lighter version.
- Add chopped tomatoes or olives on top before baking for a Mediterranean twist.
- Use brown rice but increase the baking time by about 20 minutes and add a bit more broth.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist when reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, plan for extra baking time and check that the chicken is cooked through before serving.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish and cover it with foil, then refrigerate it overnight. Bake it directly from the fridge, but add 10–15 minutes to the cooking time for best results.
PrintDump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a delicious and easy one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs baked atop fluffy rice, then topped with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. The recipe combines Greek-inspired flavors like fresh dill, garlic, cucumber, and lemon juice in a hassle-free bake that yields juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice all in one casserole dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Protein
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts or thighs
Rice & Broth
- 1 cup Rice
- 3 cups Chicken broth
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 Cucumber, grated
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Layer Rice and Chicken: Evenly spread the rice at the bottom of the casserole dish. Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Make Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and lemon juice. Stir well to blend all ingredients into a creamy tzatziki sauce.
- Assemble and Add Broth: Spoon the prepared tzatziki sauce evenly over the chicken pieces. Pour the chicken broth gently over everything, ensuring the rice is submerged. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the rice is tender and fluffy.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, then fluff the rice before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and comforting dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki rice!
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs will be juicier while breasts are leaner.
- If you prefer a thicker tzatziki, strain the cucumber to reduce excess water before mixing.
- Feel free to add extra herbs like mint or parsley for additional freshness.
- Ensure the casserole dish is tightly covered to prevent moisture loss and keep the rice cooking properly.
- Check for doneness by verifying the chicken’s internal temperature or cutting into the thickest part to ensure no pink remains.
Keywords: chicken tzatziki, baked chicken recipe, Greek rice casserole, dump-and-bake chicken, one-dish meal, easy chicken dinner
