If you’re craving a comforting yet effortless dinner that bursts with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful one-pan dish combines juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken with fluffy rice infused by rich chicken broth and a tangy tzatziki sauce topping. The best part? Minimal prep and cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something nourishing, colorful, and truly satisfying without standing over the stove for ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to nailing this delicious dish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this recipe a standout favorite.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, perfect for quick and even baking.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati rice (uncooked): Fluffy and aromatic, it soaks up all the savory liquids beautifully.
- 2 cups chicken broth or water: Adds depth and moisture to cook the rice right inside the same dish.
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade): Creamy, tangy cucumber and yogurt goodness that takes the chicken to another level.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Provides a warm, comforting flavor that complements the Mediterranean theme.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Brings that classic herbaceous note essential for authentic vibes.
- ½ tsp paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a gorgeous hint of color.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Diced cucumbers: Fresh crunch to sprinkle on top for contrast against the creamy tzatziki.
- Fresh parsley: Bright, herby garnish for a pop of color and freshness.
- Lemon wedges: Optional but highly recommended to add a lively zing.
How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Rice Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, spread the uncooked rice evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. This thin, even layer will allow the rice to cook uniformly as it absorbs the liquids. Pour the chicken broth over the rice to infuse it with rich flavor and keep it moist throughout the baking process.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Next, season your chicken breasts generously with garlic powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. These spices are simple but pack a flavorful punch, perfectly complementing the creamy tzatziki sauce that will be added later. Don’t be shy—seasoning well is the secret to juicy, aromatic chicken.
Step 3: Arrange Chicken and Add Tzatziki
Place the seasoned chicken breasts gently on top of the rice layer. Now the magic happens—spoon generous dollops of tzatziki sauce over each piece of chicken. This sauce keeps the chicken moist while baking and infuses it with that fresh, tangy essence characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine. It’s the star of this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe!
Step 4: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil. This traps steam and ensures the rice cooks perfectly while locking in moisture for tender chicken. Bake for 35 minutes—that’s just enough time for flavors to mingle and create a luscious, comforting dish.
Step 5: Uncover and Finish Baking
After the initial baking, remove the foil and pop the dish back in the oven for another 10 minutes uncovered. This step lets the chicken brown slightly and the rice develop a delicate, tender texture. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice feels soft and fluffy.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Let your dish rest for 5 minutes once out of the oven. This pause allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and irresistible. Finish by sprinkling diced cucumbers and fresh parsley on top. A squeeze of lemon brightens the whole dish and adds a fresh lift, rounding out this delightful Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe.
How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, freshness is king. The crisp diced cucumbers add contrast and crunch against the creamy, tender chicken, while bright parsley enhances the color and adds a herby undertone. A simple squeeze of lemon just before serving wakes up all the flavors, giving you that irresistible tangy finish.
Side Dishes
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe is pretty much a complete meal, but pairing it with a light Greek salad or roasted veggies can make it even more special. A side of warm pita bread or crispy roasted potatoes also complements the creamy tzatziki beautifully and rounds out your Mediterranean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this dish family-style right from the baking dish for a casual, cozy feel. Alternatively, plate individual servings topped with extra tzatziki and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. For a colorful twist, add a small bowl of olives or a drizzle of olive oil on top. This recipe is as flexible as it is flavorful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice will absorb even more of the flavors overnight, making it taste even better the next day. Just be sure to store the tzatziki garnish separately or add fresh cucumber when reheating to maintain that fresh crunch.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely if you want to prep ahead. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating—this helps preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If microwaving, cover the dish with a damp paper towel to keep the rice from drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth helps maintain moisture. Freshen things up by adding a tablespoon of tzatziki or a squeeze of lemon before serving.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and a chewier texture, but it will require a longer cooking time, around 50-60 minutes covered. You may want to partially cook the brown rice before adding the chicken and tzatziki for best results.
Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and tend to be even more moist and flavorful. Adjust the baking time slightly, as thighs can cook a bit faster or slower depending on size.
Can I make homemade tzatziki for this recipe?
Definitely! Homemade tzatziki with fresh yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill will elevate the dish even more. Feel free to swap the store-bought tzatziki with your homemade version for a personal touch.
What if I’m short on time? Can I prepare this recipe faster?
This recipe is already super simple, but you can save time by using pre-cooked rice and chicken. Simply layer the cooked rice and seared chicken with tzatziki, and bake to meld flavors, reducing cooking time significantly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and store-bought tzatziki. Always check labels if you’re buying pre-made sauces.
Final Thoughts
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe is such a gem—simple, fuss-free, but bursting with vibrant flavors that feel like a warm Mediterranean hug on a plate. It’s perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or meal prepping without sacrificing taste. Give it a try; I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to dishes!
Print
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a simple, flavorful one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and baked atop a bed of fluffy rice, soaking up savory chicken broth and fragrant spices. Topped with creamy, cooling tzatziki sauce and fresh garnishes, this recipe offers a delicious Greek-inspired dinner that’s easy to prepare and full of bright, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Rice and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Diced cucumbers, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature while you prepare the ingredients.
- Prepare the rice base: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly. Pour 2 cups of chicken broth or water over the rice to provide moisture for cooking.
- Season the chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with garlic powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to evenly coat the meat with flavorful spices.
- Assemble the dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice in the baking dish. Spoon the tzatziki sauce generously over each piece of chicken to add creaminess and flavor.
- Cover and bake: Seal the baking dish tightly with foil to trap moisture and bake for 35 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook through.
- Uncover and finish baking: Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes uncovered to let the chicken brown slightly and ensure the rice is tender.
- Rest and garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking, then garnish with diced cucumbers, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- You can use either chicken broth for richer flavor or water for a lighter option in cooking the rice.
- Homemade tzatziki made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill can enhance the freshness.
- Ensure the foil is tightly sealed to prevent steam escaping and keep the dish moist during baking.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to be at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftover dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
