Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://cheframi.com/dump-and-bake-chicken-tzatziki-rice-recipe/
