Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious Mediterranean-inspired dinner, this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is the perfect dish! It’s packed with tender, juicy chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, and fluffy rice, all baked together in one dish for a stress-free meal.

With no pre-cooking required, all you have to do is mix the ingredients, bake, and enjoy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want a healthy yet comforting dinner. Serve it with a fresh cucumber salad or warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean feast!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ One-Pan Convenience – Just mix, bake, and serve!
✔ Mediterranean Flavors – Creamy tzatziki, tender chicken, and aromatic rice.
✔ No Pre-Cooking Required – Saves time and effort.
✔ Healthy & Satisfying – Packed with protein, healthy fats, and whole grains.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats easily.

Ingredients for Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup (240g) Greek yogurt
• 1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped

For Garnish:

• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

Kitchen Equipment Needed

✔ 9×13-inch Baking Dish – To ensure even cooking.
✔ Mixing Bowls – For preparing the tzatziki sauce.
✔ Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
✔ Grater – To grate the cucumber for the tzatziki.
✔ Aluminum Foil – To cover the dish while baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice and Chicken

1. In the baking dish, add uncooked rice, chicken broth, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, and cumin.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Place the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly over the rice mixture.

Step 3: Bake the Dish

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
3. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

1. While the chicken and rice are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and fresh dill.
3. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Drizzle the tzatziki sauce over the baked chicken and rice.
2. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley or dill.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Tips for the Best Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

✔ Use Long-Grain Rice – It absorbs flavors well without becoming mushy.
✔ Squeeze the Cucumber Well – This prevents the tzatziki from becoming watery.
✔ Let the Dish Rest Before Serving – This helps the flavors meld together.
✔ Adjust Seasoning to Taste – Add more garlic, lemon, or herbs for extra flavor.
✔ Use Fresh Dill – It gives the tzatziki a bright, authentic taste.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Use Brown Rice – Increase baking time by 10-15 minutes and add ¼ cup extra broth.
• Make It Dairy-Free – Use a plant-based yogurt alternative for the tzatziki.
• Try Different Proteins – Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or tofu.
• Add More Vegetables – Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
• Make It Extra Creamy – Stir in a tablespoon of hummus into the tzatziki sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes, covered with foil.
• Reheat in Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

✔ With Warm Pita Bread – Great for scooping up the tzatziki and chicken.
✔ With a Greek Salad – Cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and feta complement the dish.
✔ With Roasted Vegetables – Serve alongside roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
✔ With Hummus and Olives – For a complete Mediterranean platter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Skipping the Tzatziki Resting Time – Letting it sit in the fridge enhances the flavor.
❌ Not Covering the Dish While Baking – This ensures the rice absorbs the liquid properly.
❌ Using Instant Rice – Long-grain rice is best for the right texture.
❌ Not Checking for Doneness – Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, but reduce the broth to ½ cup and add the rice in the last 10 minutes of baking.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I make tzatziki sauce thicker?

Make sure to squeeze out all excess water from the grated cucumber before mixing.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Just make sure your chicken broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a delicious, easy, and healthy Mediterranean meal that requires minimal effort. With juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy tzatziki sauce, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for any night of the week. Try it today and enjoy a fresh, flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup!

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