This Easy Dump And Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a tasty one-pan wonder! It features tender chicken baked right on top of fluffy rice, all mixed with yummy tzatziki flavors.
I love this dish because it’s so simple—just dump everything in and let it bake while you relax. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser with its fresh and tangy taste. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long grain white rice works perfectly here. If you need a change, jasmine or basmati rice can also be delightful. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as needed since different types of rice have different cooking times.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish, but thighs can be a juicier alternative. They’re still boneless and skinless, so it’s an easy swap!
Greek Yogurt: This gives the tzatziki its creamy texture. If you need a dairy-free option, try using a vegan yogurt. It will still add that needed tanginess!
Cucumber: Fresh cucumber adds crunch and flavor. If cucumbers aren’t in season, you can substitute with finely chopped zucchini or even a fresh bell pepper for crunch.
How Do I Get the Yogurt Sauce Just Right?
The tzatziki sauce is the star of this dish! To make it perfect, it’s all about the balance of flavors. Grate your cucumber instead of chopping for a smoother mix. Then, use a clean cloth to squeeze out excess water—this prevents the sauce from being too runny. Mixing in the garlic, lemon juice, and herbs enhances the fresh taste.
- Combine yogurt, garlic, cucumber, dill, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- For a creamier sauce, whisk together until smooth, tasting as you go to adjust flavors to your liking.
What’s the Best Way to Bake This Dish?
Baking this meal is straightforward, but there are a few tricks to keep the rice fluffy and the chicken juicy! Always cover the dish with foil to trap steam, creating a mini oven effect that cooks everything evenly. Make sure not to remove the foil too soon or your rice might dry out.
- Preheat your oven and spread the rice evenly in the baking dish.
- Pour chicken broth carefully without disturbing the rice layer.
- Letting the dish rest after baking helps the flavors meld and gives the rice time to absorb any remaining liquid.
These techniques will help ensure a tasty and satisfying meal! Enjoy your Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice!
Easy Dump And Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
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
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 50 to 60 minutes to bake in the oven. After baking, let it rest for about 5 minutes. In no time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish (around 9×13 inches), spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom. This will act as a base for your chicken and flavors.
2. Add the Liquid:
Pour the chicken broth (or water) over the rice. Remember, do not stir it! This helps keep the rice in place during baking, allowing it to cook evenly.
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped cucumber, dill, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is combined. This tzatziki sauce will be the delicious topping for your chicken!
4. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Drizzle them with olive oil to keep them moist during baking. Now, place the chicken breasts right on top of the rice in the baking dish.
5. Spoon the Tzatziki Sauce:
Use a spoon to generously spread the tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast, making sure they are nicely covered. This adds amazing flavor while they bake.
6. Cover and Bake:
Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps trap the steam, keeping the chicken juicy and the rice cooked perfectly. Bake in the oven for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and the rice is tender.
7. Let It Rest:
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors mingle and settle.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, feel free to garnish your dish with extra fresh dill or parsley for a pop of color. You can also add lemon wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze right before you eat.
This simple dump-and-bake recipe lets the chicken cook gently on the bed of rice with the tangy, herby tzatziki flavor infused in every bite! Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Dump And Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook. Increase the liquid to about 3 cups and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?
No worries! You can substitute Greek yogurt with regular plain yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor and thickness might differ slightly.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
