Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the ease and flavor of Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice. This dish brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant tzatziki flavors in one irresistible, fuss-free casserole. Whether you’re hosting a busy weeknight dinner or just want to skip the piles of dirty dishes, this recipe wraps up all the tangy, herbaceous magic of Mediterranean cuisine into a single baking dish. Bursting with refreshing cucumber, creamy yogurt, zesty lemon, and just the right blend of warm spices, Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice makes it simply delicious to put a wholesome, crowd-pleasing meal on your table in under an hour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of everyday ingredients for this recipe, but each one adds its own special flair. Every component helps balance flavor, ensures the casserole bakes up just right, or gives you that vivid pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need for this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice adventure:

  • Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken cuts into chunks easily and stays juicy and tender as it bakes.
  • Long-grain white rice: The rice absorbs all the savory juices and cooks up perfectly fluffy in the oven.
  • Tzatziki sauce: Store-bought or homemade, it brings cool, creamy cucumber and tangy garlic yogurt flavors right to the party.
  • Chicken broth: Adds depth and ensures the rice cooks through with plenty of flavor.
  • Cucumber: Fresh diced cucumber keeps things crisp and refreshing, echoing the tzatziki’s signature crunch.
  • Lemon juice: A splash of brightness cuts through the richness and ties all the Mediterranean notes together.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that unmistakable aromatic punch.
  • Dried oregano: Brings classic Greek herb flavor directly into the casserole.
  • Cherry tomatoes (optional): A burst of color and sweetness, these roast beautifully right in the dish.
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential for tying every ingredient together and enhancing those complex flavors.
  • Olive oil: A drizzle on top helps everything bake to golden perfection and keeps each bite moist.

How to Make Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

First things first, set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). While it comes up to temperature, dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and chop the cucumber. If you’re making your own tzatziki, whip it up now so it’s extra fresh. Gather your rice, spices, broth, and any garnishes you’d like to use.

Step 2: Layer and Combine

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, add the uncooked rice, chicken breast pieces, diced cucumber, and (if using) halved cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper evenly over the top. Pour in your chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, then add all but a half cup of the tzatziki sauce, reserving some for garnishing at the end. Give everything a gentle stir right in the dish so every grain gets coated and nothing sticks together.

Step 3: Drizzle and Bake

Take a tablespoon or so of olive oil and drizzle it over the surface for extra flavor and moisture. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil—this traps steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes.

Step 4: Uncover, Bake, and Finish

After 35 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Stir gently to check that most of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 10–15 minutes. This helps the top get slightly golden and lets any remaining liquid finish cooking off. Once a delicious aroma fills your kitchen and the casserole is bubbling, you’re ready to move to the best step: serving!

How to Serve Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Spoon that reserved tzatziki over each serving for a cool, creamy finish. Sprinkle chopped fresh dill or parsley for a burst of green and added herbaceous lift. A dusting of crumbled feta or a few Kalamata olives also brings it right into Greek taverna territory.

Side Dishes

This dish stands perfectly on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, try serving it alongside a crisp Greek salad, warm pita bread, or some roasted vegetables. The bright, lemony flavors play well with pretty much anything Mediterranean-inspired.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice as a family-style casserole for a casual weeknight, or plate individual portions and stack with extra tzatziki and veggies for a more restaurant-style look. For a party, scoop it into mini ramekins or cups—trust me, friends go wild for these bite-sized, flavor-packed bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the casserole cool to room temperature before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Stored this way in the fridge, Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors just keep melding and improving!

Freezing

For longer storage, portion out servings into freezer-safe containers after cooling down completely. The rice and chicken both freeze beautifully, though you’ll want to add a fresh scoop of tzatziki when reheating to restore that irresistible creamy finish.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, cover a baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot all the way through. Add a splash of water or extra broth before heating if it seems a little dry.

FAQs

Can I make Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice with brown rice?

While you can use brown rice, it takes longer to cook. Add an extra half cup of broth and extend the covered baking time by 20–25 minutes so the grains soften properly.

Do I have to use homemade tzatziki or is store-bought okay?

Absolutely! Both work beautifully. Store-bought is super convenient, but homemade allows you to tweak flavors. Either way, Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice tastes fantastic.

Can I include extra vegetables?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach all meld right in without overpowering the dish. Just keep the veggie pieces bite-sized for even baking.

How do I avoid soggy rice?

Double-check that you measure the liquid accurately and resist the urge to over-stir after baking. Baking uncovered at the end ensures the rice turns out fluffy, not mushy.

Is this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your tzatziki and broth are gluten-free, this recipe naturally fits a gluten-free diet. Always check labels to make sure.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that transports you to the sunny Mediterranean with minimal effort, you can’t go wrong with Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice. It’s the sort of recipe you’ll want to share, save, and come back to whenever you crave full flavor without all the work. Give it a try tonight—you might just find your new weeknight favorite!

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Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

5.3 from 14 reviews

This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a flavorful and easy one-dish meal that requires minimal prep and cleanup. Tender chicken breasts are baked with aromatic rice and a creamy tzatziki sauce, creating a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

  • Author: Mollyyeh
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and cover them with the yogurt mixture.
  3. Make the Rice: In a separate bowl, combine rice, chicken broth, cucumber, dill, salt, and pepper. Pour the rice mixture around the chicken in the baking dish.
  4. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
  5. Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice!

Notes

  • You can customize this dish by adding olives, cherry tomatoes, or feta cheese to the rice mixture.
  • Make sure to check the chicken for doneness with a meat thermometer.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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