Zesty Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

Creamy tzatziki sauce brings Mediterranean magic to this simple dump-and-bake chicken with rice dish.

Quick weeknight dinners demand smart shortcuts that pack serious flavor.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly in a bed of rice, absorbing the tangy yogurt and herb blend.

Greek-inspired ingredients combine with minimal kitchen effort to create a satisfying meal.

Fresh dill and cucumber elevate each bite with bright, refreshing notes.

The one-pan technique means less cleanup and more time enjoying delicious food.

You’ll love how these classic flavors come together with almost no preparation required.

This recipe promises a delightful dinner that transports you straight to the sunny shores of Greece.

How to Prep and Bake Chicken Tzatziki With Rice

• Prepare Baking Setup

Warm the oven to a toasty 375F and grab a rectangular baking dish. Give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Create Rice Foundation

Toss uncooked rice, chicken broth, and a sprinkle of seasonings into the dish. Mix everything until well combined, creating a flavorful base.

• Position Chicken

Gently nestle chicken breasts directly on top of the seasoned rice mixture, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

• Add Creamy Tzatziki Layer

Spread a generous layer of cool, tangy tzatziki sauce over the chicken, covering each piece completely.

• Initial Baking Phase

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 35 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

• Final Crisping

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until rice appears fluffy and chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

• Rest and Garnish

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Top with fresh cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, zesty red onion, crumbled feta, and fragrant herbs.

• Serve with Zest

Plate the chicken and rice, accompanied by bright lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired meal!

Simple Tweaks for More Mediterranean Flair

• Meal Prep Magic: Cook extra chicken and rice to store in airtight containers for quick lunches during the week.
• Protein Power Switch: Replace chicken with salmon, turkey, or tofu for a delightful protein variation that keeps the Mediterranean flavors intact.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use certified gluten-free chicken broth and ensure tzatziki sauce is made without wheat-based ingredients to make the dish celiac-safe.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or harissa paste for heat lovers who want an extra kick of flavor in their one-pan meal.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the delicious Greek-inspired profile of the dish.

Ways to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

• Greek-Inspired Plating: Create a vibrant Mediterranean-style plate by arranging the chicken over a bed of rice, scattering fresh herbs and colorful garnishes around the edges for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Refreshing Side Salad: Complement the meal with a crisp Greek salad featuring diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and a sprinkle of feta to echo the tzatziki flavors and add extra freshness.
• Pita Bread Pairing: Serve warm, soft pita bread on the side to help soak up the delicious tzatziki sauce and create a more filling, authentic Greek-style dining experience.
• Wine and Dine: Pair this dish with a light, crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or a chilled rosé to enhance the Mediterranean flavors and create a delightful meal.

Storage Tips for This Chicken and Rice Bake

• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep leftover chicken tzatziki in an airtight container for 3-4 days, maintaining best flavor and texture when stored in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Separate chicken, rice, and tzatziki sauce into individual compartments when storing to prevent soggy rice and maintain ingredient integrity.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Best Practices: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350F (175C) covered with foil for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and restore moisture to the rice and chicken.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Ingredient List

• Rice: Fluffy foundation that soaks up delicious flavors and creates hearty texture.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses rich, savory depth and keeps rice perfectly moist during cooking.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender centerpiece that absorbs tzatziki's zesty marinade and provides essential protein.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy Greek yogurt-based condiment that adds tangy brightness and keeps chicken incredibly juicy.

• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances all ingredients.
• Garlic Powder: Adds warm, roasted undertones without chopping fresh garlic.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweetness and aromatic background notes.
• Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that brings earthy, slightly peppery essence.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Burst of fresh sweetness and vibrant color.
• Cucumber: Crisp, cool element that complements tzatziki's creamy profile.
• Red Onion: Sharp, zingy accent that adds textural contrast.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy, crumbly Greek cheese that introduces salty richness.
• Fresh Herbs: Brightens entire dish with green, aromatic freshness.
• Lemon Wedges: Adds bright, citrusy spark that awakens all flavors.

Gear for Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

• Baking Dish (9×13-inch): Essential for mixing ingredients and baking the entire dish.
• Foil: Crucial for covering the dish during initial baking to keep moisture locked in.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Perfect for accurately portioning rice, broth, and spices.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping garnish ingredients like tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Great for precise vegetable and herb cutting.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for stirring rice and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Meat Thermometer (optional): Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.

Effortless Dump-And-Bake Chicken Tzatziki With Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delightful dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki with rice brings Mediterranean flavors to weeknight dinners. Greek-inspired ingredients blend effortlessly, offering you a simple yet elegant meal with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice (or basmati)
• 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ small cucumber, diced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley or dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a 9×13-inch baking dish, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
2. Chicken Placement: Arrange chicken breasts directly onto the seasoned rice mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid base for optimal moisture retention.
3. Tzatziki Application: Lavishly spread tzatziki sauce over the chicken breasts, creating a protective and flavorful coating that will infuse moisture and Mediterranean essence during baking.
4. Initial Baking: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and chicken to cook gently.
5. Final Baking and Browning: Remove foil and return dish to oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, enabling chicken to achieve a golden surface and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Resting and Garnishing: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven. Top with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh dill or parsley.
7. Serving: Plate the chicken and rice, accompanying with fresh lemon wedges to add a bright, citrusy note that complements the rich tzatziki and tender chicken.

Notes

• Optimize Rice Moisture: Use precise liquid-to-rice ratio to prevent dry or soggy rice, ensuring each grain absorbs broth perfectly without becoming mushy.
• Control Chicken Tenderness: Cover tightly with foil during initial baking to lock in steam, guaranteeing juicy chicken breasts that remain succulent and never dry.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb version or use gluten-free broth to accommodate specific dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Select high-quality, full-fat tzatziki with fresh herbs for maximum taste complexity and authentic Mediterranean culinary experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg