Name: Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice (uncooked); 2 1/2 cups chicken broth or water; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 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; Fresh dill or parsley; Lemon wedges

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Introduction

This Easy Dump And Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice recipe is perfect for a hassle-free, flavorful dinner. With tender chicken breasts baked on a bed of rice and topped with a tangy, herby tzatziki sauce, this dish combines simplicity and deliciousness in one pan.

A white bowl filled with layers, starting with a base of mixed yellow and white rice that looks fluffy and slightly separated. On top of the rice, there are several pieces of brown grilled chicken, showing char marks and a crispy texture. Creamy white yogurt sauce with green herb flecks is drizzled generously over the chicken and rice. Fresh chopped green herbs are sprinkled over everything, adding a vibrant touch. Around the bowl, there are sliced cucumbers with pale green centers and bright red cherry tomatoes, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups long grain white rice (uncooked)
2 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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
Optional garnish: Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches).
Step 2: Pour the chicken broth or water over the rice without stirring to keep the rice in place for even cooking.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped cucumber, dill, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to make the tzatziki sauce.
Step 4: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and drizzle with olive oil. Place them on top of the rice in the baking dish.
Step 5: Spoon the tzatziki sauce generously over each chicken breast, covering them well.
Step 6: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Variations

For a creamier texture, use full-fat Greek yogurt in the tzatziki sauce.
Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to make a lighter version.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the tzatziki for a subtle kick.
Try using brown rice, but increase the baking time and liquid accordingly.
If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill works well in the sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The rice may absorb more liquid after refrigeration; add a splash of water or broth when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

A large blue bowl holds a vibrant dish with a base layer of yellow-orange spiced rice mixed with small bits of vegetables like carrots and tomatoes. On top, there are several pieces of browned grilled chicken scattered around, each piece showing a crispy texture with charred spots. In the center is a generous dollop of white yogurt sauce mixed with green herbs, creating a creamy contrast. On one side, there are slices of fresh cucumber placed neatly, and two lemon wedges positioned opposite each other add a fresh touch. Around the bowl, pieces of folded flatbread and a small white bowl of bright red cherry tomatoes sit on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, increase the baking time and check the internal temperature to confirm doneness.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. It reheats well and the flavors often improve after sitting for a day in the fridge.