Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is an easy, one-pan meal packed with Mediterranean flavors! Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, garlicky tzatziki-inspired sauce all come together effortlessly—no stovetop cooking required. Just mix, bake, and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free dinner!
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Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) – Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice – Uncooked (basmati or jasmine works best).
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Helps cook the rice to perfection.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt – The base of the creamy tzatziki sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Adds a little richness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Brings bold flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Classic Mediterranean seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon dried dill – Adds fresh, herby notes.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – A little spice.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest – Brightens up the dish.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – For a hint of tang.
- ½ cup cucumber, finely diced – Mimics the freshness of tzatziki.
For Garnish (Optional):
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled – For a creamy, salty finish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – Adds color and freshness.
- Lemon wedges – For extra brightness.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In the baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, oregano, dill, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and diced cucumber. Stir well to mix everything evenly.
- Add the chicken pieces to the dish and stir again to coat them in the sauce.
Step 3: Bake the Dish
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley, then serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Use Long-Grain Rice – Short-grain rice can get mushy; basmati or jasmine work best.
- Cover While Baking – Keeps the moisture in so the rice cooks evenly.
- Adjust the Seasoning – Taste before serving and add extra lemon or salt if needed.
- Try Chicken Thighs – They stay extra juicy during baking!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean