Dump And Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice for Effortless Flavor

A Flavor Explosion in One Pan

Imagine a creamy, zesty dish loaded with the comforting flavors of chicken, rice, and a tangy tzatziki sauce. Dump And Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice does just that, delivering an effortless flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance! It’s the ultimate one-pan meal you can whip up in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Why Make This Recipe

Why should you throw this into your weekly rotation?

• Super simple cleanup: Just one pan goes into the oven, and you get to avoid a pile of dishes watching your favorite show afterward. Win-win!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the creamy tzatziki twist—it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser.
• Budget-friendly: It uses easy-to-find ingredients that won’t break the bank. Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good deal?

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 2 cups Long Grain White Rice (Jasmine or basmati rice are great alternatives)
• 4 cups Chicken Broth (or water for a less savory option)
• 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (skinless thighs are a tasty substitute)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (drizzled on chicken for a golden crust)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (essential for flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (essential for flavor)
• 1 cup Greek Yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 cloves Minced Garlic (fresh garlic infuses robust flavor)
• 1 cup Grated Cucumber (squeeze out excess moisture)
• 2 tablespoons Dill (fresh preferred over dried)
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (brightens the sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Oregano (can mix up with Italian seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon Paprika (enhances flavor profile)
• 1 cup Cucumber Substitute (diced zucchini or bell pepper work)

Directions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to your new favorite dish:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large baking dish, mix the rice and chicken broth together.
3. Place the chicken breasts on top, then drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, dill, lemon juice, oregano, and paprika.
5. Spread this tzatziki mixture over the chicken, followed by the cucumber substitute.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes for that golden finish.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

How to Make Dump And Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice for Effortless Flavor (Overview)

Here’s the beauty of it: you toss everything in one pan, and let the oven do the magic. Layer your rice and festive toppings over the chicken, then drown them in that creamy tzatziki mixture.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic! It makes all the difference in your flavor game.

How to Serve Dump And Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice for Effortless Flavor

Once it’s ready, serve it up with a sprinkle of fresh dill and a wedge of lemon for that pop of color! This dish is perfect for a colorful weeknight meal. The chicken is juicy, and that tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing crunch that’s irresistible. Pair it with a simple side salad, and you’re good to go!

How to Store Dump And Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice for Effortless Flavor

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3-4 days. Need to freeze it? It can stay safe in the freezer for about 2-3 months! To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave. Easy peasy!

Tips to Make Dump And Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice for Effortless Flavor

• Timing is everything: If you use brown rice, increase the cooking time by about 15-20 minutes.
• Ingredient swaps: Try adding cherry tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
• Extra creaminess: Stir in a bit of extra yogurt before serving for a creamier texture.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Make this dish vegan by substituting the chicken for chickpeas and using a plant-based yogurt. You’ll end up with a different yet delicious take on the classic recipe!

FAQs

1. Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
Yes! Water is a fine alternative, but you’ll miss out on that savory depth.

2. How can I make it gluten-free?
Just stick to rice and make sure your yogurt is certified gluten-free.

3. Can I prep this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble it a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Dump And Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

A creamy, zesty one-pan meal featuring chicken, rice, and a tangy tzatziki sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups Long Grain White Rice Jasmine or basmati rice are great alternatives
• 4 cups Chicken Broth or water for a less savory option
• 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts skinless thighs are a tasty substitute
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil drizzled on chicken for a golden crust
• 1 teaspoon Salt essential for flavor
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper essential for flavor

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek Yogurt or dairy-free yogurt for a lighter option
• 2 cloves Minced Garlic fresh garlic infuses robust flavor
• 1 cup Grated Cucumber squeeze out excess moisture
• 2 tablespoons Dill fresh preferred over dried
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice brightens the sauce
• 1 teaspoon Oregano can mix up with Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Paprika enhances flavor profile

Optional Ingredients

• 1 cup Cucumber Substitute diced zucchini or bell pepper work

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large baking dish, mix the rice and chicken broth together.
3. Place the chicken breasts on top, then drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, dill, lemon juice, oregano, and paprika.
5. Spread this tzatziki mixture over the chicken, followed by the cucumber substitute.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes for that golden finish.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Notes

Serve with a sprinkle of fresh dill and a wedge of lemon for a pop of color. Perfect for colorful weeknight meals. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months. To reheat, warm in the oven or microwave.