If you’re looking for a simple, healthy, and flavorful dinner, look no further than this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe. This recipe is a true game-changer for busy weeknights, where you can dump all the ingredients into one pan and bake them to perfection. It’s a perfect combination of succulent chicken, fluffy rice, and a refreshing tzatziki sauce that brings a burst of flavor to every bite.
Not only is this dish easy to make, but it’s also packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors, thanks to the creamy tzatziki sauce, which adds a cool and tangy contrast to the savory chicken and rice. Plus, it’s an incredibly versatile recipe—you can swap ingredients, add veggies, or adjust the seasoning to fit your taste.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, this dump-and-bake meal is a winner!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
✔ Easy to Make – This is a true dump-and-bake recipe, meaning less prep and less mess!
✔ Flavorful – The tzatziki sauce infuses the chicken with incredible flavors, creating a rich, tangy, and herby dish.
✔ Healthy – This recipe uses lean chicken breast, whole grain rice, and fresh ingredients for a balanced, nutritious meal.
✔ One-Pan Meal – Everything cooks in a single dish, making cleanup a breeze.
✔ Versatile – You can add your favorite vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for an even heartier meal.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken Tzatziki:
- 4 chicken breasts (about 500g / 1 lb)
- 200g (1 cup) tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade, see below for homemade recipe)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
- 200g (1 cup) uncooked long-grain white rice
- 500ml (2 cups) chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar sized casserole dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- In a small bowl, combine the tzatziki sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the tzatziki mixture over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Set aside while you prepare the rice.
Step 3: Prepare the Rice
- In a separate bowl, mix the uncooked rice with chicken broth, olive oil, dried thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour the rice mixture into the baking dish around the chicken, ensuring the rice is spread evenly and submerged in the broth.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken and Rice
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
- Optionally, top with additional tzatziki sauce and a garnish of fresh herbs such as mint or dill for an added burst of flavor.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the chicken breasts over the rice, spooning some of the extra tzatziki sauce from the dish on top. You can also add a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
✅ Use Bone-In Chicken – For extra flavor and moisture, you can substitute bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks for chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
✅ Add Veggies – For a more well-rounded dish, add some vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes into the rice mixture before baking.
✅ Homemade Tzatziki – While store-bought tzatziki works great, you can easily make your own! Mix Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill for a fresh homemade version.
✅ Make It Spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the tzatziki mixture for an extra kick.
✅ Make Ahead – This recipe can be assembled ahead of time and baked later. Just cover and refrigerate the dish until ready to cook, but be sure to extend the cooking time by 10-15 minutes if it’s chilled.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Calcium: 100mg
(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on ingredient brands and specific measurements used.)
How to Store and Reheat
🧊 Storing: Leftover chicken tzatziki with rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
❄️ Freezing: If you want to make this dish ahead of time, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
🔥 Reheating: To reheat, place in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used in place of white rice, but keep in mind that brown rice may take longer to cook. Add extra liquid and extend the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.
🔹 Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the protein used.
🔹 Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! This dish can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Combine the chicken, tzatziki, and rice mixture in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
Final Thoughts
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice recipe is a perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors, ease of preparation, and healthy ingredients. With minimal effort and a single pan, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re short on time or just looking for a simple and tasty dinner, this recipe will quickly become a weeknight favorite.
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