Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

Imagine a dish that combines the vibrant, tangy flavors of Greek tzatziki sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice—all made with minimal effort in a single baking dish. Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a perfect weeknight dinner that saves time without sacrificing taste. This Mediterranean-inspired casserole is packed with protein, fresh herbs, and creamy yogurt goodness, delivering a wholesome and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

With just a handful of fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe comes together effortlessly. No need for pre-cooking or complicated steps—simply mix, bake, and enjoy. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef looking for an easy meal, this dish is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Preparation: Minimal chopping and no pre-cooking required.
2. One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean up afterward.
3. Nutritious and Flavorful: Packed with lean protein, veggies, and wholesome ingredients.
4. Customizable: Adaptable to different dietary needs and flavor preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

1. Grate the Cucumber: Using the fine side of a grater, grate the cucumber. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and squeeze out as much water as possible.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dill, mint (if using), lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
3. Taste and Adjust: Adjust seasoning if needed, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Add the Rice: Evenly spread the uncooked rice across the bottom of the dish.
3. Pour the Broth: Add the chicken broth over the rice to ensure even cooking.
4. Layer the Chicken: Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the rice in a single layer.

Step 3: Season the Chicken and Rice

1. Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir into a paste.
2. Coat the Chicken: Drizzle the seasoning mix over the chicken, using a spoon or your hands to ensure even coating.

Step 4: Bake the Dish

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes.
2. Check and Finish: After 40 minutes, remove the foil and check the rice and chicken. If the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), remove from the oven. If not, bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve

1. Optional Toppings: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, and red onion on top for added flavor and texture.
2. Serve with Tzatziki: Spoon the chilled tzatziki sauce over the casserole or serve it on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Pair with a simple Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or warm pita bread for a complete meal.
• Beverages: Serve with chilled white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or a refreshing iced tea.
• For Extra Flavor: Add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of red chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Tips for Success

1. Use Long-Grain Rice: Basmati or jasmine rice works best as they cook evenly without becoming mushy.
2. Squeeze the Cucumber: Removing excess water from the cucumber ensures your tzatziki sauce stays creamy and not watery.
3. Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Check Liquid Levels: If the rice looks dry during baking, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.

Variations

Protein Options

• Swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein source.

Vegetarian Version

• Replace chicken with chickpeas or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Low-Carb Option

• Substitute rice with cauliflower rice, adjusting the baking time as cauliflower rice cooks faster.

Add Veggies

• Mix in cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or spinach for added nutrients and color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time. Increase the broth quantity slightly and extend the baking time by 15–20 minutes.

What if I don’t have tzatziki ingredients?

You can use store-bought tzatziki or mix plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic powder, and dried dill as a quick alternative.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki sauce and skip the feta cheese topping.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the dish?

Grease the baking dish well, and ensure the broth fully covers the rice before baking.

Conclusion

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a foolproof recipe that brings together the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with the convenience of one-pan cooking. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare yet feels special enough for entertaining. The creamy tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken and rice, making every bite irresistible.

Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests with a vibrant, wholesome meal, this recipe is a winner. Enjoy the flavors of Greece from the comfort of your home with this delightful casserole!

Yield: 4

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

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Imagine a dish that combines the vibrant, tangy flavors of Greek tzatziki sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice—all made with minimal effort in a single baking dish. Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a perfect weeknight dinner that saves time without sacrificing taste. This Mediterranean-inspired casserole is packed with protein, fresh herbs, and creamy yogurt goodness, delivering a wholesome and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Casserole:
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.

2. Prepare the Casserole Base

1. In the baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth (or water), olive oil, garlic, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.

3. Add Chicken and Yogurt Mixture

1. Arrange the chicken pieces evenly over the rice mixture.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice to create the tzatziki base.
3. Pour the yogurt mixture evenly over the chicken and rice. Spread it gently with the back of a spoon.

4. Bake

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

5. Add Toppings and Serve

1. Remove the foil and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top, if desired. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, uncovered, to melt the cheese slightly.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.

6. Serve

1. Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Serve warm, alongside a crisp salad or warm pita bread.

Notes

• Rice Options: Substitute brown rice or jasmine rice, but adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly (brown rice may require up to 50 minutes).
• Tzatziki Shortcut: Use store-bought tzatziki sauce for convenience, thinning it slightly with lemon juice or water before spreading over the dish.
• Make Ahead: Prep the dish up to step 3, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Bake when ready.