This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice dish is a breeze to make! Just toss your chicken and rice in a baking dish, add some creamy tzatziki sauce, and let the oven do the work!
You’ll love how this meal is packed with flavor and is super simple for busy days. I enjoy serving it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top—it’s like a little party on your plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this recipe because it cooks fluffy and absorbs flavors well. If you prefer, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and add a bit more liquid.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep the dish lean. If you want something different, try thighs for extra juiciness or even salmon for a tasty twist!
Greek Yogurt: The base of the tzatziki sauce, Greek yogurt adds creaminess. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut yogurt works but will change the flavor a bit.
Cucumber: Fresh cucumber is key for a refreshing tzatziki. For an alternative, try grated zucchini if cucumber isn’t available, but be sure to squeeze out excess moisture!
Dill: Fresh dill gives great flavor. If it’s hard to find, dried dill can be used—just reduce the amount since it’s more potent. You could also swap in mint for a different take!
How Do You Ensure the Rice Cooks Perfectly?
One of the challenges with this dish is ensuring the rice turns out fluffy and tender. First, make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch. This helps prevent it from clumping together.
- Spread the rinsed rice evenly in the baking dish; this allows it to absorb liquid properly.
- Use enough chicken broth or water, as it provides flavor and necessary moisture.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap steam during baking, which helps the rice cook evenly.
- Let it rest after baking so the rice can absorb any remaining liquid—it makes a big difference!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or water)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (for tzatziki)
- 1 cucumber, finely grated or diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 45–50 minutes of cooking time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Just let the oven do the work while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting it nice and warm will help everything cook evenly!
2. Make the Tzatziki Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a creamy tzatziki sauce that’s bursting with flavor!
3. Prepare the Baking Dish
Spread the rinsed rice evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This is the base of your dish and will soak up all the delicious flavors!
4. Add the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice. Season them with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. The seasoning will make the chicken extra tasty!
5. Pour in the Broth
Carefully pour the chicken broth evenly over the rice and chicken. This will help cook the rice perfectly while keeping the chicken moist and juicy.
6. Add the Tzatziki
Dollop the tzatziki mixture over each chicken breast and spread it slightly to cover them. This will create a flavorful coating as it bakes!
7. Bake It!
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
8. Let It Rest
Once it’s done baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors settle!
9. Garnish and Serve
Garnish your chicken with fresh parsley or dill before serving. This adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy your flavorful, easy-to-make dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki rice!
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can! If you choose to use brown rice, keep in mind it will need more liquid and a longer cooking time—about 55–60 minutes. Just make sure to check that the rice is tender before serving!
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?
No problem! You can substitute Greek yogurt with regular plain yogurt, sour cream, or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Just be aware that the flavor and texture may vary slightly!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Just chop them to a similar size as the rice to ensure they cook evenly. Add them to the baking dish before pouring in the broth.
