Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe

Introduction

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a simple, wholesome meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a fresh tzatziki sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it offers bold Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts or thighs
• 1.5 cups Rice
• 3 cups Chicken broth
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 Cucumber, grated
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Fresh dill
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish.
2. Step 2: Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish. Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, and lemon juice to make the tzatziki sauce.
4. Step 4: Spoon the tzatziki sauce evenly over the chicken and rice. Pour the chicken broth over everything.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender and fluffy.
6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh dill or lemon wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and more fiber, adjusting cooking time as needed.
• Add diced zucchini or spinach for extra vegetables and color.
• For extra richness, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or chopped olives before baking.
• Make sure to season the chicken well with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If the rice has dried out, add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, both chicken breasts and thighs work well for this recipe. Thighs may add extra juiciness and flavor.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen after baking. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 50 reviews

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a simple, wholesome casserole combining tender chicken breasts or thighs with fluffy long-grain rice and a refreshing house-made tzatziki sauce. This Mediterranean-inspired dish layers uncooked rice with chicken, chicken broth, and a creamy mix of Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon juice, all baked together to infuse flavors and create a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Grains

• 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts or thighs
• 1.5 cups Long-grain rice

Liquids

• 3 cups Chicken broth

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 Cucumber, grated
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice

Seasonings

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
2. Layer Rice and Chicken: Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish. Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
3. Make Tzatziki Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and lemon juice. Stir until fully incorporated to create a creamy, bright tzatziki sauce.
4. Assemble and Cover: Spoon the prepared tzatziki sauce evenly over the chicken and rice in the casserole dish. Pour the chicken broth over everything, ensuring the rice is fully submerged. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and ensure even cooking.
5. Bake: Place the covered casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the rice is tender and fluffy.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest briefly. Serve directly from the baking dish, garnished with additional fresh dill and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

• Substitute brown rice for a nuttier flavor and increased fiber content; adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or roasted peppers to increase nutrition and color.
• To make the dish more luxurious, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or olives on top before serving.
• Ensure chicken broth fully covers the rice to cook it properly.
• Season chicken well prior to baking for best flavor infusion throughout.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Dump-and-Bake, Chicken Tzatziki Rice, Mediterranean casserole, One-dish meal, Easy dinner, Greek yogurt sauce, Healthy chicken recipe