If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors yet incredibly easy to prepare, you’re going to love this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe. It combines tender, juicy chicken seasoned with fragrant herbs and spices, layered over perfectly cooked, fluffy rice, all topped with creamy, cooling tzatziki sauce. This recipe is a true weeknight hero that delivers vibrant taste and comforting textures with minimal effort in just one baking dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe plays a vital role, bringing out a harmony of flavors and textures that make this dish special. From the aromatic spices to the luscious tzatziki, every element contributes to the final deliciousness.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up all the spices and stays tender throughout baking.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati rice (uncooked): Provides a fluffy, fragrant foundation that perfectly absorbs the chicken broth.
- 2 cups chicken broth or water: Infuses the rice with savory richness, keeping it moist and flavorful.
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade): Offers a creamy, tangy topping that adds a cooling contrast to the seasoned chicken.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a deep, aromatic punch that brightens every bite.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Brings a classic Mediterranean herb flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken and tzatziki.
- ½ tsp paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate the entire dish.
- Diced cucumbers: Fresh, crunchy garnish that complements the tzatziki’s creaminess.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, herbal note and a pop of green color.
- Lemon wedges: For a zesty squeeze that lifts the flavors even more.
How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Rice
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This sets the perfect temperature for slow, even cooking. Spread your uncooked rice evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish to create a solid base. Then, pour the chicken broth over the rice to ensure it has enough liquid to absorb and become perfectly tender during baking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the oven warms, it’s time to add flavor to your chicken breasts. Pat them dry and season all sides generously with garlic powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. This spice blend not only enhances the chicken’s flavor but also complements the creamy tzatziki topping beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Place the seasoned chicken breasts right on top of the rice. This layering technique allows all the juices from the chicken to seep into the rice as it cooks, creating a savory rice dish without extra fuss. Next, spoon a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast. This sauce will melt slightly and infuse the chicken with a cool, tangy burst of flavor.
Step 4: Bake Covered and Uncovered
Cover your baking dish tightly with foil to trap moisture, then bake for 35 minutes. This steam-cooks the rice and chicken evenly. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This step crisps and finishes the chicken, ensuring it’s cooked through and the rice is tender, fluffy, and flavorful.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once the baking is done, let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This important step allows the flavors to settle and the juices to redistribute, offering moist chicken and fluffy rice. Before serving, sprinkle diced cucumbers and fresh parsley over the top, and add a wedge of lemon on the side for that final fresh touch.
How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like diced cucumbers and fresh parsley not only add lovely color but also bring refreshing crunch and herbal brightness that balance the softness of the chicken and rice. A squeeze of lemon juice just before eating brightens the whole dish and amplifies its Mediterranean charm.
Side Dishes
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe stands beautifully on its own, but you can also serve it with a crisp Greek salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. Warm pita bread can add a fun, interactive element for scooping up the tzatziki and rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve this dish in individual cast-iron skillets or shallow bowls, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint or dill to elevate its aesthetic. Layering additional tzatziki or dolloping some homemade hummus on the side can make the plate look even more inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe stores wonderfully. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delicious.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is totally doable. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to prevent sogginess and maintain the dish’s texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered loosely in foil to retain moisture, or microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice soft. Add fresh tzatziki or a squeeze of lemon after reheating for a burst of freshness.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well but will require longer cooking time and possibly more liquid. Adjust the baking time and check for tenderness to get the best results.
Is homemade tzatziki better than store-bought?
Homemade tzatziki offers fresher flavors and can be customized to your taste, but a good-quality store-bought version is a great time-saver and works beautifully in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and store-bought tzatziki that is certified gluten-free.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, water works fine. You can also jazz it up with a vegetable broth or add a bouillon cube for extra flavor.
Can this be made in advance for meal prep?
Definitely. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, bake as directed, adding a bit more time to ensure it’s heated through.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe — it’s one of those comforting, flavorful dishes that feels like a labor of love but is incredibly easy to pull off. Next time you want a no-fuss, satisfying dinner full of Mediterranean vibes, this recipe will be right there waiting to impress your taste buds and make your kitchen smell amazing.
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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a simple, flavorful one-pan meal combining tender baked chicken breasts smothered in creamy tzatziki sauce, fragrant seasoned rice, and fresh garnishes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hands-off recipe requires minimal prep and cooks all at once in the oven, delivering Greek-inspired flavors with juicy chicken and fluffy rice.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Rice and Liquid
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
Tzatziki and Garnishes
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Diced cucumbers, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the rice base – Spread the uncooked rice evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the chicken broth or water evenly over the rice to allow it to absorb the liquid during baking.
- Season the chicken – Rub the chicken breasts with garlic powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Assemble the dish – Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice layer in the baking dish. Spoon tzatziki sauce evenly over each piece of chicken to add creaminess and tang.
- Cover and bake – Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
- Finish baking uncovered – Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the rice is tender.
- Rest and garnish – Let the dish rest for 5 minutes out of the oven. Garnish with diced cucumbers, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to enhance freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use chicken broth for more flavor or water for a lighter result.
- Ensure the baking dish is covered tightly to prevent drying out during baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheated gently.
- For homemade tzatziki, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill.
- Check rice for doneness at the end of baking; add a splash of water if needed and bake a few minutes longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
