This quick and easy dump and bake chicken is juicy and flavorful, served with creamy tzatziki rice for extra yumminess. It’s a complete meal with hardly any prep work!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Long-grain White Rice: I recommend basmati or jasmine rice for their delightful aroma and fluffy texture. You can swap for brown rice, but remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid since it takes longer to cook.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but thighs are juicier! If you’re vegetarian, try using chickpeas or cauliflower instead to keep that protein aspect.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or use shallots for a milder taste.
Greek Yogurt: Full-fat yogurt makes the tzatziki creamy, but you can use low-fat or plant-based yogurt for a lighter version. Both will still taste good!
Dill: Fresh dill is preferable for the tzatziki’s flavor, but dried dill works too if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Get Chicken and Rice Just Right?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken and rice in one dish is all about timing and covering while cooking. Here’s how:
- Start by seasoning the chicken well with spices. This boosts flavor.
- Spread the rice evenly in the dish; this helps it cook uniformly.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil. This retains steam and moisture, helping the rice cook without drying out.
- After baking, let it sit covered for a few minutes before fluffing. This lets flavors blend nicely.
These tips ensure your chicken is juicy and your rice is fluffy every time!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 1 medium onion, finely sliced
- 3 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves garlic, minced)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
For the Tzatziki:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Needed
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. You’ll have a complete dish ready in about an hour, making it perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner!
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chicken and rice will cook perfectly once they’re in!
2. Season the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed chicken. Sprinkle in the turmeric, cumin, paprika, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss everything together so the chicken is nicely coated in all those tasty spices.
3. Assemble in the Baking Dish:
Grab a large baking dish (around 9×13 inches). Spread the rice evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, scatter the sliced onions over the rice. Finally, place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of everything.
4. Add the Liquids:
Pour the chicken broth over the rice and chicken evenly. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and add the lemon juice to the mix. This will keep everything moist and flavorful!
5. Bake It:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Pop it in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Prepare the Tzatziki:
While the chicken and rice are baking, you can whip up the tzatziki! In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
7. Finish Up:
Once the chicken and rice are done baking, carefully take the dish out of the oven. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently—this helps mix in all the flavors!
8. Serve It Up:
Portion out the chicken and rice onto plates or into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of tzatziki. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a couple of lemon slices for an extra pop of color and flavor.
9. Enjoy Your Meal:
If you’d like, serve the dish with warm pita bread and a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal. This easy recipe is sure to please!
With lovely spices, juicy chicken, and creamy tzatziki, you have a delicious, one-pan meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can! However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, about 50-60 minutes total. Just be sure to check for doneness before serving!
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt in the Tzatziki?
If you’re looking for a substitute for Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt or even sour cream. For a dairy-free version, try coconut yogurt or a plant-based yogurt alternative. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to keep the flavor balanced!
Can I Prep This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken with the spices and prepare the tzatziki sauce a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, and when you’re ready to cook, just layer everything in the baking dish as directed and bake. It’ll save you time on a busy day!
How To Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave portion sizes or warm it on the stove until heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry.
