Dump And Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice for Effortless Flavor Recipe
This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a simple, flavorful one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken breasts are baked on a bed of fragrant rice, all infused with savory chicken broth and a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, fresh garlic, cucumber, dill, and lemon juice. With minimal prep and effortless baking, this dish offers a balanced and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dinner that the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Chicken
- 2 cups Long Grain White Rice (Jasmine or basmati rice are great alternatives)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (Or water for a less savory option)
- 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Skinless thighs are a tasty substitute)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Drizzled on chicken for a golden crust)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Essential for flavor)
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt (Or dairy-free yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh garlic infuses robust flavor)
- 1 cup Grated Cucumber (Squeeze out excess moisture)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill (Preferred over dried)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Brightens the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Oregano (Can substitute with Italian seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (Enhances flavor profile)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Additional Fresh Dill or Parsley
- Lemon Wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature while you prepare the ingredients.
- Prepare Rice Base: Evenly spread the uncooked rice in a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will serve as the foundation for your meal.
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth (or water if preferred) over the rice without stirring. This liquid will cook the rice as it bakes.
- Make Tzatziki Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber (ensure excess moisture is squeezed out), dill, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove moisture, then drizzle with olive oil. Place them evenly on top of the rice in the baking dish.
- Add Tzatziki: Spread a generous layer of the prepared tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast, ensuring good coverage for flavor and moisture.
- Cover and Bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with foil to trap steam and moisture, then bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Garnish with additional fresh dill or parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh, bright finish. Serve warm and enjoy your effortless, flavorful meal.
Notes
- To reduce moisture in the grated cucumber, place it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out the excess liquid to prevent a watery sauce.
- You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs if preferred; adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure doneness.
- If you want a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free yogurt in the tzatziki sauce.
- Feel free to experiment with spices in the sauce such as adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or fresh mint for added freshness.
- Make sure to cover tightly with foil to keep the moisture in, which helps cook the rice evenly and keep the chicken juicy.
Keywords: chicken, tzatziki, rice, baked chicken, Mediterranean, easy dinner, one dish meal, yogurt sauce, healthy chicken recipe