Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe
This Easy Dump And Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts baked on a bed of perfectly cooked long grain rice, topped with a flavorful homemade tzatziki sauce featuring Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh herbs. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s a one-dish meal that delivers vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors and comforting textures, perfect for a hassle-free dinner.
- 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
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dish:
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped or grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh dill or parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly spread the uncooked rice across the bottom to serve as a base for the chicken and flavors.
- Add the Liquid: Pour the chicken broth or water over the rice without stirring. This ensures the rice stays evenly distributed and cooks properly in the oven.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped cucumber, dill, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until well mixed. This sauce will bring fresh and tangy flavors to the chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then drizzle them with olive oil for moisture retention. Place the chicken breasts directly on top of the rice in the baking dish.
- Spoon the Tzatziki Sauce: Generously spread the prepared tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast, ensuring they are fully covered to infuse the flavors during baking.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, which keeps the chicken juicy and cooks the rice evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Let It Rest: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld and the dish to set slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an optional citrusy burst. Enjoy your delicious, hassle-free Mediterranean-inspired meal!
Notes
- Do not stir the rice and liquid after adding broth or water to avoid uneven cooking.
- You can substitute water with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option (omit chicken in that case).
- If you prefer spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tzatziki sauce.
- Use fresh herbs when possible for better flavor, but dried dill also works well.
- Make sure chicken breasts are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated for quick meals.
Keywords: chicken tzatziki rice, dump and bake chicken, baked chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken dish, easy chicken dinner, one dish chicken and rice
