This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a fun twist on a classic dish! With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a tasty yogurt sauce, it’s delicious and super simple to make.
I love how you can just toss everything in one dish and let the oven do the work. Plus, who doesn’t love a little tzatziki to brighten up their meal? It’s a winner in my house! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their ease. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well too! They stay juicier, and you can always shred them after baking for more flavor.
Rice: Long grain white rice gives a fluffy texture. However, you can use jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant twist. Just adjust liquid amounts based on the rice type you choose if needed.
Chicken Broth: I usually opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control seasoning. Vegetable broth is a great substitute for a lighter dish, making it more vegetarian-friendly!
Greek Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt is best for tzatziki. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt or dairy-free sour cream; just check the flavor to ensure it fits your taste.
Cucumber: Fresh cucumber adds crunch. If you are in a hurry, you can skip peeling and grating. Alternatively, use a small jar of store-bought tzatziki sauce for convenience!
What’s the Best Way to Make the Tzatziki Sauce?
The tzatziki sauce is essential for this dish, and making it is super simple! Here are the steps to perfect it.
- Start with plain Greek yogurt for a creamy base that’s rich in protein.
- Add the grated cucumber, squeezing out excess water to keep it from being watery.
- Mix in lemon juice for brightness, and freshly chopped dill and mint for layered flavors, though you can skip the mint if it’s not your preference.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your liking.
- Chill it ahead of time in the fridge so the flavors can meld together beautifully!
Having this tzatziki ready ahead makes serving easy and adds a cool, refreshing touch to your warm chicken and rice!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, peeled and grated or finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for tzatziki)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or dill
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fantastic dish requires about 10 minutes of preparation time and around 45 minutes of baking time, plus a little time for the tzatziki to chill. In total, you’re looking at about an hour for a delicious, home-cooked meal that involves very little hands-on effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking when you’re done preparing the dish.
2. Prepare the Rice Mixture:
In a large baking dish—make sure it’s at least 9×13 inches—combine the uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir everything together well so the rice is coated with the olive oil and the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Add the Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth over your rice mixture and give it a gentle stir. This helps the rice absorb the flavors as it cooks!
4. Arrange the Chicken:
Now, place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Make sure to space them out evenly so they cook properly.
5. Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F or 74°C).
6. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
While everything is baking, it’s time to make the tzatziki sauce! In a medium bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, dill, and mint (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well, then pop it in the fridge to chill until you’re ready to serve.
7. Rest the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
8. Serve:
Now comes the fun part! Serve the chicken breasts over the fluffy, flavorful rice with a nice dollop of tzatziki sauce on top.
9. Garnish:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or dill on top to make it even more delicious and attractive!
Enjoy this easy, flavorful one-dish meal that’s perfect for weeknights! It’s satisfying and sure to please your family or guests.
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can! Make sure to thaw the chicken completely before using it in this recipe. You can thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
What Can I Substitute for Rice?
If you want to switch things up, use quinoa or a mix of grains like farro or barley instead of rice. Just remember that cooking times might vary, so check the package instructions for liquid and cooking time adjustments!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if the rice appears too dry.
Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making the tzatziki sauce a few hours or even a day ahead allows the flavors to meld better. Just cover and refrigerate it until you are ready to serve!
