Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the effortless charm of Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice! This flavor-packed casserole brings together juicy chicken, fragrant rice, tangy tzatziki, and a heap of fresh vegetables all in one dish—no sauté pans, no fuss. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting but refuse to skimp on big, bold Mediterranean flavors. Just layer, bake, and enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice recipe is simple, but each one matters—a handful of fresh vegetables and a few pantry staples transform into a knockout meal. Here’s what you’ll need and why nothing should be left out!

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chop into bite-sized pieces for extra juiciness and lightning-fast cooking.
• Long-grain white rice: Soaks up all the Mediterranean flavor while staying fluffy and separate in the bake.
• Tzatziki sauce: The star of the show; this creamy, garlicky, dill-infused dip adds tang and moisture throughout the dish.
• Chicken broth: Lends a savory base and ensures your rice turns out perfectly tender.
• Cucumber: Adds crispness and a refreshing crunch that pairs brilliantly with the yogurt sauce.
• Cherry tomatoes: Bring juicy sweetness and bursts of color to every bite.
• Red onion: Sliced thin, it imparts subtle bite and beautiful color after baking.
• Lemon zest and juice: Brightens every layer and balances the richness of the chicken and sauce.
• Fresh dill and parsley: Essential herbs for that signature Greek flavor and a pop of green.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Amplify every flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Olive oil: Adds silkiness and a little golden color to the baked top.
• Crumbled feta cheese (optional): For tang, creaminess, and the perfect finish.

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a large casserole or 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—just another reason why Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is an absolute weeknight winner!

Step 2: Layer the Rice and Flavors

Spread the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly over the bottom of your prepared dish. Sprinkle the chopped red onion and half the cherry tomatoes on top, then stir gently to distribute everything. This layering ensures every forkful is speckled with sweet tomatoes and savory onion, right down to the last bite.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Broth

Scatter the cubed chicken breasts in an even layer over the rice. Pour the chicken broth slowly and evenly so the grains soak up flavor and moisture while baking. Season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice—these make the flavors of Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice sing!

Step 4: Dollop and Swirl the Tzatziki

Drop spoonfuls of tzatziki all over the top, then use a spatula or knife to gently swirl it into the chicken and rice mixture. Don’t overmix—a few streaks of sauce ensure some bites are extra creamy, others more savory. Top with the remaining cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumber for color and crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes, allowing the rice to steam and the chicken to cook through. Remove the foil, drizzle a touch of olive oil, and bake another 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden edges and bubbling sauce. Scatter the crumbled feta and fresh herbs over the finished Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice just before serving for that final fresh, tangy kick.

How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

Garnishes

Before you dig in, don’t skimp on the garnish! A flurry of fresh dill and parsley, an extra squeeze of lemon, plus a handful of crumbled feta make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice really pop both visually and in taste. If you love a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes is a great addition too.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully complete, but if you’re looking to round out your table, try pairing it with warm pita, a simple Greek salad, or roasted veggies like zucchini and bell pepper. The flavors of Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice pair beautifully with anything fresh and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t settle for basic! Serve scoops of Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice in bowls with extra tzatziki on the side for dipping, or stuff the mixture into pita pockets with crunchy lettuce for a portable lunch. It’s even delicious spooned into bell pepper halves and baked again for a colorful dinner twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any extra Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and those flavors often deepen and get cozier overnight.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze portions for future lunches or quick dinners. Let the casserole cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover and warm portions in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave gently, adding a splash of extra broth or water to keep it moist. Top with fresh herbs and a spoonful of tzatziki to bring the flavors back to life.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or another grain instead of white rice?

Absolutely, though you may need to adjust the liquid and bake time. Brown rice or quinoa will require more broth and a longer cook to become tender, but both taste fantastic in Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice.

Is there a quick homemade tzatziki I can use?

Yes! Mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and a little olive oil. In a pinch, store-bought tzatziki works perfectly too.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely—Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is super flexible. Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for more color and nutrition. Just chop them small so they bake evenly.

What’s the best way to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Assemble all ingredients in your baking dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed from cold.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute the chicken with canned chickpeas, white beans, or diced tofu, use vegetable broth, and keep the rest of the recipe the same. You’ll still get all the dreamy flavors of Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice!

Final Thoughts

If easy, vibrant meals are your thing, you need Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice in your regular rotation. It brings together everything you love about Greek-inspired comfort food with almost no effort and even less cleanup. Give it a try—you might find yourself making extra just for the leftovers!

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