Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s bursting with flavor but requires minimal effort, this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. With tender chicken, aromatic rice, and a tangy tzatziki sauce, this dish comes together effortlessly, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. No complicated steps, just dump it all in, bake, and enjoy the delightful blend of fresh flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless: Just dump everything into a baking dish, bake, and you’re done. It doesn’t get easier than that!
• Fresh and Flavorful: The creamy tzatziki sauce adds the perfect tang to the juicy chicken, and the rice soaks up all those delicious flavors.
• Customizable: You can tweak the recipe with your favorite vegetables or even swap the chicken for a different protein like lamb or tofu.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is great for leftovers and can be stored for a quick meal later in the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is all about fresh ingredients that bring out rich, vibrant flavors. Here’s what you need:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish. They cook perfectly in the oven, staying juicy and tender. If you prefer, chicken thighs work great too.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice works best here. It absorbs the flavors beautifully and cooks up soft and fluffy.
• Tzatziki Sauce: A creamy blend of Greek yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and fresh herbs. The tzatziki adds a tangy, refreshing flavor to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that aromatic, savory base.
• Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish and pairs wonderfully with the tzatziki sauce.
• Olive Oil: For a little bit of richness and to ensure the chicken stays moist while baking.
• Herbs: Fresh dill and parsley are key to enhancing the tzatziki’s flavor and giving it that authentic Greek flair.
• Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to bring everything together. Feel free to add more to taste.

Variations

Looking to make this dish your own? Here are a few variations to try:

• Add Vegetables: Try adding chopped onions, bell peppers, or zucchini to the dish. The vegetables will cook alongside the chicken and rice, soaking up all those amazing flavors.
• Swap Proteins: If you’re not into chicken, swap it out for lamb chops, salmon, or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
• More Heat: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the tzatziki sauce for a spicy kick.
• Extra Toppings: Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, olives, or toasted pine nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dish cooks evenly and the chicken stays juicy.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

In a baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly. Pour in some water or chicken broth (for extra flavor), and stir in a pinch of salt. This will act as the base that helps the rice cook perfectly.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts directly on top of the rice. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can also add a dash of garlic powder or onion powder if you like extra flavor.

Step 4: Mix the Tzatziki Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the tzatziki sauce with a little extra lemon juice, chopped dill, and fresh parsley. Mix well and spoon it over the chicken, ensuring that each breast is covered with that luscious sauce.

Step 5: Bake It

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 35-40 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked, and the rice tender. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to let the chicken get a little golden on top.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of feta, and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Check Chicken Temperature: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Rice Texture: If you prefer a slightly firmer rice texture, reduce the cooking time by about 5 minutes.
• Tzatziki Variation: If you like a more garlicky tzatziki, feel free to add a little extra minced garlic to the sauce for more bite.
• Extra Flavor: Consider adding a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the tzatziki for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.

How to Serve

This dish can be served in so many delightful ways. The combination of juicy chicken, aromatic rice, and fresh tzatziki makes it a hearty meal on its own, but here are some ideas to round out the experience:

Garnishes:

Top with some fresh cucumber slices or a handful of Kalamata olives for a touch of briny flavor that complements the tzatziki.

Side Dishes:

Serve alongside a fresh Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese, or some roasted vegetables like carrots and eggplant for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Wrap It Up:

For something a little different, serve the chicken and rice in warm pita bread or a tortilla, drizzle with extra tzatziki, and enjoy as a wrap!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This recipe makes great leftovers! Store any leftover chicken, rice, and tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken and rice back in the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated thoroughly. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, you can use brown rice, but note that it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to adjust the water and baking time accordingly.

Can I make the tzatziki sauce from scratch? Absolutely! If you prefer homemade, simply mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. It’s easy and so fresh!

What if I don’t have a baking dish? You can use a sheet pan or any oven-safe dish that fits the ingredients. Just make sure the rice is covered with enough liquid to cook properly.

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe? Definitely! You can add chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, or even spinach directly to the baking dish. They’ll cook along with the chicken and rice, adding even more flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a total game-changer for easy weeknight dinners. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent yet is so simple to make. With its refreshing tzatziki, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked rice, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different veggies or proteins — the beauty of this dish is how versatile and forgiving it is. Enjoy cooking, and most importantly, enjoy eating!

Print