Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe
This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice recipe is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender baked chicken breasts atop a bed of perfectly cooked rice, all smothered in a tangy, herby homemade tzatziki sauce. With minimal prep and baking all in one dish, it’s a delicious and convenient meal infused with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
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 tsp 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). Spread the uncooked long grain white rice evenly in the bottom of a large 9×13-inch baking dish to create the base for the chicken and flavors.
- Add the Liquid: Pour 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth or water evenly over the rice, but do not stir. This helps the rice cook evenly while keeping it in place during baking.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, finely chopped or grated cucumber, fresh or dried dill, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated to create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil to help keep them moist during baking. Place the chicken breasts directly on top of the rice in the baking dish.
- Spoon the Tzatziki Sauce: Generously spread the prepared tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast, covering them thoroughly to infuse flavor as they bake.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked 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 the flavors to meld and settle.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty finish. Enjoy your tangy, herby chicken and rice meal!
Notes
- Use chicken broth for richer flavor or water for a lighter option.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- If you prefer a thicker tzatziki, drain excess water from the cucumber before mixing.
- This recipe works well for meal prep as leftovers reheat nicely.
- Ensure the baking dish is tightly covered to keep moisture in and prevent drying out.
Keywords: chicken tzatziki, baked chicken breast, dump and bake recipe, Mediterranean chicken, one-pan meal, tzatziki sauce, easy chicken dinner, baked rice and chicken
