This easy dump and bake chicken with tzatziki rice is perfect for a hassle-free dinner! Just toss everything in the pan, and let the oven do the magic while you relax.
The chicken is juicy and full of flavor, while the tzatziki rice adds a cool, creamy twist. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again—it’s that simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for tenderness. You can substitute with turkey if you prefer a leaner option. Any leftover cooked chicken can also be used; just reduce baking time to prevent overcooking.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is recommended as it cooks evenly. If you want a healthier twist, brown rice can be used, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and add more broth since it takes longer to cook.
Spices: Turmeric, cumin, and paprika give great flavor. If you’re missing any, feel free to use curry powder or garam masala for a different taste. A pinch of cayenne or chili powder can add some heat if you love spice!
Greek Yogurt: This is the base for tzatziki. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut yogurt or a tahini-based dressing as a creamy substitution.
Cucumber: Fresh cucumber adds crunch. You can replace it with grated zucchini, though it may require additional draining.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken and Rice Cook Evenly?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken and rice can be tricky in one dish, but here’s how to do it right:
- Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly alongside the rice.
- Soaking the rice helps it cook faster and absorb more flavor. Rinse it well to remove excess starch.
- When you pour the broth over the chicken and rice, do not stir! Let the liquid soak in naturally for the best texture.
- Covering with foil traps steam, cooking everything through initially. Remove it later for a nice golden top.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have juicy chicken and fluffy rice every time!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 1 ½ to 2 lbs (700-900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 55 minutes of cooking time, making the total time around 1 hour and 10 minutes. Most of that time is hands-off while it bakes, so you can relax or get other things done!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken and rice cook evenly once they go in.
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces, rinsed rice, sliced onion, minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir everything together until well coated with the spices and oil.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a large 9×13-inch ovenproof baking dish. Spread the chicken and rice mixture evenly inside the dish, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
4. Add the Broth:
Carefully pour the chicken broth over the chicken and rice mixture. Do not stir! Let the broth soak in from the top for maximum flavor absorption.
5. Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes. This steams the chicken and ensures the rice cooks perfectly.
6. Remove Foil and Continue Baking:
After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes. This helps the top become slightly golden and crispy, and ensures the chicken is fully cooked.
7. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken and rice bake, prepare the tzatziki sauce. First, salt the grated cucumber lightly and let it drain in a colander for about 10 minutes. Then squeeze out any remaining moisture using a clean towel. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
8. Serve:
Once the chicken and rice are done baking, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Spoon generous amounts of tzatziki sauce over the dish or serve it on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and lemon wedges for that extra zing.
9. Enjoy!
Serve this delicious meal warm alongside pita bread or a fresh salad for a wholesome dinner. Enjoy the yummy flavors and feel proud of your easy, homemade meal!
This dish combines savory, aromatic spices baked right into the chicken and rice with the refreshing creaminess of tzatziki, making it a delightful and effortless dinner option.
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it’s important to note that it takes longer to cook. You’ll need to increase the broth to about 4 cups and extend the baking time by 15-20 minutes. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to the rice and heat gently in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. This helps keep the rice moist.
Can I Use Other Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with boneless turkey breasts, pork, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the protein you choose to ensure it’s cooked through.
Is There a Way to Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make this dish dairy-free, use a dairy-free yogurt alternative made from coconut or almond for the tzatziki sauce. Just be sure to check the seasoning, as some alternatives might be sweeter or less tangy than Greek yogurt.
