This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice is a fun dish! Just toss chicken, rice, and tasty tzatziki in a baking dish, and let the oven do all the work. How simple is that?
I love that it’s a one-pan meal, which means less mess for me to clean up. Plus, the creamy tzatziki adds a refreshing twist. Perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they stay juicy while cooking. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work just as well. They provide a slightly richer flavor and tend to stay tender.
Rice: Long-grain white rice gives a fluffy texture. If you want a healthier option, try brown rice, but remember it may need a little more liquid and extended cooking time.
Tzatziki Ingredients: Greek yogurt is the star in this sauce for its creaminess. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt or a cashew yogurt alternative.
Cucumber: For the tzatziki, fresh cucumber adds crunch and freshness. If cucumbers are unavailable, try grated zucchini as a substitute, but squeeze out excess moisture to avoid watery sauce.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken and Rice Cook Evenly?
The key to ensuring both chicken and rice cook evenly in this dish is to layer them correctly and cover them tightly. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine all rice ingredients in the baking dish first, ensuring it’s spread evenly.
- Place chicken on top so juices from the chicken will infuse into the rice as it cooks.
- Cover with aluminum foil tightly to trap steam, which helps the rice cook fully and keeps the chicken moist.
Checking the doneness is essential; a meat thermometer should read 165°F (75°C) for safe chicken consumption! Resting the dish before serving allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth or water
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, finely diced or grated
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced (for tzatziki)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for tzatziki)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 40-45 minutes to bake. So, in about an hour, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your dish is ready to go in.
2. Prepare the Rice Mixture:
In a large baking dish, mix the uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Make sure to stir everything together so the ingredients are well combined and the rice is evenly distributed.
3. Add Olive Oil:
Drizzle the olive oil over the rice mixture. This helps add flavor and keeps it nice and moist while baking.
4. Add the Chicken:
Carefully place the chicken breasts on top of the rice and broth mixture. If you’d like, sprinkle a bit more seasoning on the chicken for extra flavor.
5. Bake:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in the steam. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (you want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the rice is tender.
6. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While your chicken and rice are baking, mix up the tzatziki sauce! In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This creamy sauce is super refreshing and adds a nice kick to your meal!
7. Serve:
Once the chicken and rice are finished baking, take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps everything settle a bit.
8. Plate and Enjoy:
Serve each chicken breast on a nice scoop of the baked rice and generously drizzle or dollop the tzatziki sauce on top. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if you like for an extra pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your flavorful, easy-to-make dump and bake chicken with refreshing tzatziki rice!
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used for a healthier option, but it typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. You’ll want to increase the chicken broth to about 2 cups and extend the bake time to about 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness and adjust as needed!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Dill for the Tzatziki?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh dill, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of dried dill. Just mix it in with the other tzatziki ingredients for that flavor punch!
Can Leftovers Be Stored in the Fridge?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to enjoy it again!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the rice mixture and place the chicken on top the night before. Just cover it well and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, it may take a few extra minutes in the oven to ensure it’s warmed through.
