This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a one-pan wonder! Juicy chicken is baked with fluffy rice and creamy tzatziki sauce for a delicious dinner that’s super simple to make.
You just toss everything together in one dish—no fuss! I love how it makes clean-up a breeze, and the flavors are so fresh and tasty. Perfect for a weeknight meal when you want something easy! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Long Grain White Rice: Using basmati or jasmine adds fragrance and flavor. If you prefer a whole grain, brown rice works, but increase the cooking time and liquid by 10-15 minutes.
Chicken: I like using thighs for their juiciness, but breasts keep it leaner. You could also try a different protein like shrimp or a plant-based substitute like chickpeas.
Onion & Garlic: They add depth and flavor. Use shallots in place of onion for a milder taste, or garlic powder if you’re out of fresh garlic.
Spices: Cumin and turmeric give an earthy flavor. Feel free to adjust to your taste. If you’re missing one, paprika or curry powder can add a unique twist!
Greek Yogurt: For the tzatziki, plain yogurt can work too, but Greek yogurt is thick and creamy. You can swap with dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option.
How Do I Ensure Even Cooking of the Rice and Chicken?
To help the rice and chicken cook evenly, prep them correctly. Start by mixing the dry ingredients first. Avoid stirring the chicken broth in – let it sit on the top. This keeps the rice layer insulated during baking.
- Always cover the dish tightly with foil. This traps steam and moisture, allowing everything to cook perfectly.
- After baking, gently fluff the mixture with a fork to separate the grains without breaking the chicken.
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano or fresh if available
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley or fresh oregano, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, finely grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and then 40-45 minutes to bake, for a total of around 55-55 minutes. It’s super quick to get everything prepped and in the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot enough when you put the dish in.
2. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a large oven-safe baking dish, combine the rice, sliced onion, minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. This will be the flavor base for your dish.
3. Add the Chicken:
Next, place the bite-sized chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the chicken. This will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Now, carefully pour the chicken broth evenly over the entire dish. No need to stir it in; you want the rice and chicken to stay somewhat separate while baking, ensuring they cook evenly.
5. Cover and Bake:
Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid. This keeps moisture in and helps the rice cook perfectly. Bake for about 40-45 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken and rice are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and set it aside in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
7. Fluff and Serve:
Once cooked, take the baking dish out of the oven. Gently fluff the rice and chicken with a fork. This helps to separate the grains and mix the flavors.
8. Add Tzatziki and Garnish:
Spoon dollops of the tzatziki sauce on top of the rice and chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley or oregano and add lemon wedges for extra flavor.
9. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve warm and enjoy this delicious, comforting meal! Feel free to pair it with pita bread and a fresh salad for a complete feast.
Enjoy this flavorful, comforting, and easy one-pan meal that combines the warm spices of the baked chicken and rice with the cool, creamy tang of homemade tzatziki!
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead?
Yes, you can use brown rice! However, you will need to increase the cooking time to about 55-60 minutes and add an extra ½ cup of chicken broth since brown rice requires more liquid and time to cook.
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt for Tzatziki?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, regular plain yogurt will work too. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based yogurt, such as coconut or almond yogurt, ensuring it has a thick consistency for the best results.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish in advance and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give it a few extra minutes in the oven if it starts off cold.
How Do 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 on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to moisten the rice.
