Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki with rice is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but fuss-free. With minimal prep and no complicated steps, this dish delivers bold Mediterranean flavors in a simple, one-pan meal. Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy tzatziki sauce come together effortlessly in the oven, creating a hearty dish that tastes like it came from your favorite Greek restaurant. The beauty of a dump-and-bake recipe lies in its convenience—just layer the ingredients, pop it into the oven, and let it cook while you take care of other things. The tangy, garlicky tzatziki balances the richness of the chicken, while the rice soaks up all the savory juices for a comforting finish. Nutritious, flavorful, and incredibly easy, this recipe is ideal for families, meal prep, or anyone who wants a healthy dinner without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice – Easy Greek-Inspired Dinner
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A simple and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken baked with creamy tzatziki sauce and fluffy rice, infused with Mediterranean herbs and spices.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread uncooked rice evenly in the baking dish and pour in chicken broth.
- In a small bowl, mix tzatziki sauce, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken on top of rice and spread the tzatziki mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes.
- Remove foil and sprinkle with feta cheese. Bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use boneless chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.
- If rice is not fully cooked, add 1/4 cup broth and bake an additional 10 minutes.
- Pairs well with a side Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts or thighs provide lean protein and become tender and juicy as they bake in the sauce.
Rice serves as the hearty base, absorbing all the savory flavors from the chicken and tzatziki.
Chicken broth keeps the rice moist and adds depth of flavor while cooking.
Tzatziki sauce is the star ingredient, bringing tangy, creamy freshness with its blend of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs.
Olive oil adds richness and helps lock in moisture during baking.
Garlic enhances the savory flavor and complements the Mediterranean profile of the dish.
Lemon juice brightens the flavors, cutting through the creaminess of the tzatziki.
Oregano adds a classic Greek herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with chicken.
Salt and pepper season the dish, balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Fresh parsley or dill works as a garnish, adding freshness and color just before serving.
Directions
Start by preheating your oven. Lightly grease a large baking dish, then spread uncooked rice evenly across the bottom. Pour chicken broth over the rice, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, garlic, and lemon juice, then arrange it over the rice. Spoon tzatziki sauce generously over the chicken, spreading it slightly to cover. Drizzle olive oil on top for added richness.
Cover the dish tightly with foil to allow the rice to steam and the chicken to stay moist. Bake until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, typically around 45–50 minutes depending on the cut of chicken.
Remove the foil during the last few minutes of cooking to allow the top to develop a slight golden color. Once baked, garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a vibrant finish. Serve hot, ensuring each portion has a mix of juicy chicken, creamy tzatziki, and flavorful rice.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people generously. Preparation takes just 10 minutes, while baking requires 45–50 minutes. Altogether, you’ll have a complete dinner ready in about 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Reheat from frozen in the oven, adding a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.
Variations and Customizations
Vegetable Boost
Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the dish for extra nutrients.
Spicy Kick
Mix a little chili flakes or cayenne into the seasoning for heat.
Cheesy Twist
Sprinkle feta or mozzarella on top before baking for added creaminess.
Brown Rice Option
Swap white rice for brown rice, but increase baking time and liquid.
Low-Carb Version
Replace rice with cauliflower rice (add it midway through baking).
Fresh Herb Tzatziki
Make homemade tzatziki with fresh dill, cucumber, and Greek yogurt for extra flavor.
Mediterranean Platter Style
Serve with pita bread, olives, and a side salad for a complete meal.
One-Pan Meal Prep
Bake in individual ramekins or small containers for portion-controlled meals.
Garlic Lovers’ Version
Add roasted garlic cloves to the rice for deeper flavor.
Seafood Variation
Swap chicken for shrimp and reduce the baking time accordingly.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, store-bought works well, though homemade adds fresher flavor.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice cooks evenly in this recipe.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful.
Do I need to cook the rice first?
No, it cooks perfectly in the oven with the broth.
How do I know the chicken is done?
It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Conclusion
Dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki with rice is a flavorful, effortless dish that brings Mediterranean comfort to your table. With juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy tzatziki all cooked together in one pan, it’s as convenient as it is delicious. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe proves that quick, easy meals don’t have to compromise on flavor.
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