This one-pan meal features juicy chicken soaked in a tangy tzatziki sauce, all baked with fluffy rice. It’s super simple—just dump everything in, and let the oven do its magic!
The best part? You can kick back while it cooks! I love how the flavors blend together, making dinner a breeze. Plus, easy clean-up means more time for dessert! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless thighs for juiciness, but breasts work great too! If you’re looking to make it lighter, you could use turkey breast instead, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect here, but you can swap it with brown rice or quinoa if you want more fiber. Just remember that cooking times might change for those options.
Tzatziki Sauce: Greek yogurt is essential for creaminess. You can substitute it with regular yogurt or plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free version. If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove for a stronger flavor!
Spices: The combination of turmeric, coriander, and smoked paprika adds warmth. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine, but you might miss that smoky flavor.
How Do You Ensure the Rice is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the rice just right is key. Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents it from getting gummy. Make sure your chicken broth is hot when you pour it over the rice to help it cook evenly.
- Layer the rice and seasoned chicken, then gently stir once to avoid disturbing the layers too much.
- Cover tightly with foil to trap steam, which is essential for cooking the rice.
- After the baking time, let it sit covered so the rice can absorb any extra moisture.
These tips will help you achieve fluffy rice that’s full of flavor! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients for Your Meal:
- 1 ½ lbs (about 700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 ½ tsp salt, divided
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley and fresh oregano for garnish
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, finely grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 60 minutes to cook. Total time is around 1 hour and 10 minutes, including a few minutes of resting time before serving. It’s an effortless solution to a delicious and hearty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for your masterpiece.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with turmeric, coriander, oregano, smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Toss everything together until the chicken is coated evenly with the spices.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish:
In a large oven-safe baking dish (about 9×13 inches), spread the rinsed rice evenly across the bottom.
4. Add Onions and Garlic:
Scatter the sliced onions and minced garlic over the rice to add a delicious aroma and flavor to your dish.
5. Layer the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken pieces evenly on top of the onions and rice, ensuring they are spread out well.
6. Pour the Broth:
Carefully pour the chicken broth over everything evenly. Stir just a bit to mix the layers slightly but keep them mostly intact.
7. Add Lemon Slices:
Arrange the lemon slices over the top of the chicken and rice, pressing them down lightly to infuse extra flavor as they bake.
8. Cover and Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes, allowing the chicken and rice to cook through.
9. Uncover and Finish Baking:
Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes. This allows everything to brown slightly, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
10. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While your dish is baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to your liking.
11. Rest the Dish:
Once your main dish is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors marry nicely.
12. Fluff the Rice:
Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and oregano for a touch of freshness.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken and rice hot, topped with generous spoonfuls of tzatziki sauce and extra lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick!
Dig in and enjoy your easy, flavorful dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki rice. A perfect one-pot Mediterranean-inspired dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice! Just note that it may require a longer cooking time. Brown rice usually takes about 15-20 minutes more in the oven, so adjust your baking time accordingly and check for doneness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything a day in advance. Assemble the dish without baking it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven and adjust the cooking time as needed, since it will be cold from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt in the Tzatziki Sauce?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Just make sure it’s thick enough for the sauce, and you might consider straining it slightly to remove excess moisture.
