If you’re looking for a meal that combines incredible ease with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe is your new best friend. This dish is a delightful one-pan wonder where tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a refreshing tzatziki sauce come together effortlessly. Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, wholesome feast that’s both flavorful and nourishing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—bringing depth, freshness, or creaminess to the dish. From zesty lemon juice to creamy Greek yogurt, these components unite beautifully in flavor and texture.
- Chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): Boneless and skinless for easy baking and slicing.
- Long-grain rice (1 cup): Provides fluffy, separate grains that absorb all the savory juices.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Ensures the rice cooks tenderly with added rich flavor.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1 cup): The creamy base of the homemade tzatziki sauce offering tang and smoothness.
- Cucumber (1, grated): Adds crunch and refreshing coolness to the tzatziki.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic depth to both the chicken seasoning and the sauce.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Lifts the flavors with bright, citrusy notes.
- Fresh dill (1 tablespoon chopped or 1 teaspoon dried): Adds that classic herby Greek touch.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the dish perfectly.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Provides a gentle kick without overpowering.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Coats the chicken for moistness and golden browning.
- Cherry tomatoes (½ cup, halved, optional): For a juicy, colorful garnish.
- Fresh mint leaves (optional): Adds a fresh, fragrant finish to the plating.
How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Setting the right temperature ensures everything cooks evenly and the rice becomes perfectly fluffy while the chicken stays tender.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a large baking dish. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika all over for a simple but flavorful coating that will brown beautifully in the oven.
Step 3: Add the Rice
Spread the uncooked long-grain rice evenly around the chicken in the dish. This step allows the rice to soak up all the delicious juices as it bakes, absorbing flavor while cooking alongside the chicken.
Step 4: Combine and Pour Broth Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Pour this mixture over the chicken and rice, ensuring even coverage so the rice cooks through perfectly infused with zesty notes.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. This steam-trapping technique ensures the chicken stays juicy while the rice cooks in all those savory flavors.
Step 6: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken and rice bake, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. This fresh sauce is the cool, creamy companion that brings the whole dish to life.
Step 7: Finish Baking
After the initial baking time, remove the foil and check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). If needed, cover and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken fully cooked.
Step 8: Rest and Slice
Take the dish out of the oven and let the chicken rest a few minutes. This lets the juices settle, making every bite tender and juicy when sliced.
Step 9: Plate and Serve
Serve the tender chicken breasts atop the fluffy rice, generously spooning that vibrant tzatziki sauce over the top. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mint for pops of color and extra flavor. Following these steps will reward you with a mouthwatering meal that never fails to impress!
How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mint leaves as a garnish not only makes the dish visually stunning but adds juicy sweetness and refreshing herbal notes that elevate every forkful into something special.
Side Dishes
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp Greek salad or warm pita bread. The salad adds crunch and acidity, while pita offers a perfect vehicle for scooping up leftover sauce and rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken sliced on a bed of tzatziki rice inside warm pita pockets for a hand-held gyro twist, or deconstruct the dish on a platter with grilled vegetables for a colorful Mediterranean spread. The possibilities for presentation are just as fun as the dish itself!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures the chicken and rice maintain their moisture and flavor, while the tzatziki remains fresh and tangy.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked chicken and rice separately from the tzatziki sauce. Freeze in portioned airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, satisfying meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or covered in a low-temperature oven to keep chicken juicy and rice fluffy. Add a spoonful of tzatziki fresh from the fridge after reheating for that cooling, creamy finish.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nutty flavor and more fiber, but it will require a longer baking time and more liquid to cook fully, so adjust accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep since it stores well and reheats beautifully with flavors developing even more over time.
Can I substitute the chicken breasts with thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and may add extra juiciness and richness to the dish.
How spicy is this dish?
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe has mild, warming spices without heat, making it great for all taste preferences.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, making the tzatziki a few hours before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully; just keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a meal that’s effortless, healthy, and bursting with flavor—and the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe hits all those marks perfectly. Whether you’re feeding family on a busy night or serving friends at a casual dinner, this recipe promises to bring joy with every bite. Give it a try and you might find your new go-to comfort food with a fresh Mediterranean twist!
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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is an effortless, flavorful one-dish meal featuring tender baked chicken breasts and fluffy rice cooked together in savory broth. Topped with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill, this recipe brings a Greek-inspired twist to your weeknight dinner with minimal prep and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Pinch of salt
Garnish (Optional)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and rice.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika for flavorful crust and seasoning.
- Add Rice: Spread the uncooked long-grain rice evenly around the chicken in the baking dish, ensuring good distribution so it cooks properly.
- Mix Broth and Lemon Juice: In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth with the lemon juice, then pour this mixture over the chicken and rice to provide moisture and flavor during baking.
- Cover Dish: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and keep the chicken juicy while the rice cooks.
- Bake: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the rice is tender.
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: While baking, in a medium bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine the creamy sauce.
- Finish Cooking: After 35-40 minutes, remove the foil. Check if the rice needs more time; if so, cover again and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until done.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain juices before slicing.
- Serve: Plate the baked chicken and rice, then drizzle generously with the fresh tzatziki sauce. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mint leaves if desired for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Covering the dish tightly during baking helps keep both chicken and rice moist.
- You can substitute dried dill if fresh is not available, but fresh dill offers better flavor.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking helps keep it juicy and tender.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning.
- Using Greek yogurt ensures a thick and creamy tzatziki sauce, but regular plain yogurt can be used as a substitute.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger groups by using a bigger baking dish and increasing cooking time accordingly.
