This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe is a simple one-pan meal! Just toss chicken, rice, and a flavorful tzatziki sauce into a dish and let the oven do the work.
I love how this dish has all the yummy flavors of tzatziki without much fuss. Perfect for a busy night when you want something tasty with minimal effort. Plus, who doesn’t love a good chicken-and-rice combo? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Long grain white rice: This is the base of our dish. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can use brown rice, but it will need a bit more cooking time and liquid.
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is best for this recipe. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for an even faster meal. Just add it in the last 15 minutes of baking.
Greek yogurt: This brings creaminess to the tzatziki. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut yogurt or a simple avocado blend for a similar effect.
Dill: Fresh dill gives the tzatziki a bright flavor, but if you don’t have it, substituting with mint or even parsley works well. Just adjust the amount to your taste!
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Even though this is a dump-and-bake recipe, it’s essential to keep an eye on the chicken cooking through. The key is to cover the dish tightly while baking. This will trap steam and cook the chicken evenly.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are cut into even, bite-sized chunks. This helps them cook at the same rate.
- Use a meat thermometer! Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the dish rest after baking. This helps the chicken juices redistribute and keeps it tender.
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon, plus lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh parsley or oregano, chopped, for garnish
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish requires about 10 minutes of prep time and approximately 40 minutes for baking. Altogether, you can expect about 50 minutes from start to enjoying your meal! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). A warm oven is essential for even cooking!
2. Mix It Up:
In a large mixing bowl or directly in an oven-safe baking dish, combine the rinsed rice, chicken broth, chicken pieces, sliced onion, minced garlic, olive oil, turmeric, cumin, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Toss everything gently to mix well and make sure the chicken is evenly distributed. This is where all those flavors come together!
3. Bake It:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid. This will keep everything nice and steamy! Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until the rice is tender, and the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Prepare the Tzatziki:
While the chicken and rice are baking, it’s time to whip up the tzatziki sauce! In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. It should be fresh, creamy, and delicious!
5. Finish Cooking:
Once the chicken and rice are ready, remove the dish from the oven. Let it sit covered for about 5 minutes to finish cooking.
6. Fluff and Garnish:
Use a fork to gently fluff the rice. Garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley or oregano and lemon slices. Don’t forget to dollop the tzatziki sauce on top or serve it on the side!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm with pita bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your flavorful, effortless one-pan chicken and rice dinner with that creamy, herby tzatziki sauce. Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice! However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and possibly increase the chicken broth to about 2 ½ cups since brown rice takes longer to cook. Check the rice for tenderness before removing it from the oven.
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Dish?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on it!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to keep the rice moist.
Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the tzatziki sauce up to a day in advance! Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier!
