Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe
This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice recipe offers a simple, one-dish meal that combines tender baked chicken breasts with fluffy white rice and a tangy, fresh tzatziki sauce. The chicken cooks directly on the rice, absorbing flavorful moisture from the broth and yogurt-based sauce, resulting in a deliciously moist, aromatic dish perfect for a cozy family 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
- Diet: Gluten Free
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, spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom to create a base for the chicken and flavors.
- Add the Liquid: Pour 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth or water over the rice without stirring. This keeps the rice in place during baking and ensures even cooking.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped cucumber, fresh dill, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed to create the flavorful tzatziki sauce.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and drizzle with olive oil to maintain moisture. Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the rice in the baking dish.
- Spoon the Tzatziki Sauce: Generously spread the prepared tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast to coat thoroughly, adding a creamy, tangy flavor to the chicken as it bakes.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Let It Rest: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest, covered, for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and settle.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an optional bright, citrusy finish.
Notes
- Do not stir the rice and broth before baking to ensure even cooking and prevent clumping.
- Ensure the chicken breasts are fully cooked by checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tzatziki sauce.
- This dish can be made with water instead of chicken broth, but broth adds more flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: chicken tzatziki bake, dump and bake chicken, easy Mediterranean chicken recipe, baked chicken with rice, Greek tzatziki chicken, one dish chicken dinner
