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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a simple and flavorful one-pan Mediterranean dish combining juicy chicken, creamy homemade tzatziki, and tender baked rice. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this recipe requires minimal effort while delivering a balanced, comforting meal with fresh herbs and bright flavors.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, freshly grated and drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tzatziki sauce: Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and set aside to let flavors meld.
  2. Assemble the baking dish: Lightly grease or spray a large baking dish. Spread uncooked rice in an even layer. Place the chicken breasts on top. Carefully pour chicken broth over the rice and chicken, ensuring the rice is fully submerged in liquid.
  3. Season the chicken: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs or spices.
  4. Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the rice to absorb the broth.
  5. Add the tzatziki and serve: After baking, spoon the creamy tzatziki sauce over the hot chicken and rice or serve on the side. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

  • Use thick Greek yogurt to ensure a creamy tzatziki sauce.
  • Don’t skip the lemon juice; it brightens and balances the flavors.
  • Cover the dish tightly to trap steam and cook rice evenly.
  • Grate cucumber finely and drain excess water to keep tzatziki thick.
  • Let tzatziki rest for at least 15 minutes to deepen flavors before serving.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: chicken tzatziki rice, dump-and-bake, Mediterranean chicken, one pan dinner, easy chicken recipe, baked rice dish, family-friendly dinner, tzatziki sauce