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
Scale
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
