This yummy chicken dish is super simple! Just toss everything together and bake it, then serve it with cool and creamy tzatziki rice. It’s like a flavor party in one dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain white rice like basmati is perfect for this dish, giving it a nice texture. You can also swap in jasmine rice for a slightly sweeter flavor. Brown rice is a healthier option, but it will need more cooking time.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can use that too! Just add it halfway through baking to avoid overcooking.
Spices: Ground turmeric and cumin are key for flavor. If you’re out of cumin, coriander can be a good alternative. The smoked paprika adds a nice depth but feel free to omit it for a milder taste.
Greek Yogurt: This makes the tzatziki creamy. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut yogurt can be a substitute. Just be sure to check the flavor and sweetness!
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken and Rice Bake Comes Out Perfectly?
The trick to this dish is mixing the ingredients thoroughly before baking to ensure even flavor throughout. Here’s how you can make it work:
- Preheat your oven as stated to ensure an even cooking temperature.
- Mix all your ingredients well in the baking dish, covering the rice completely with the broth.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam; this helps cook the rice and chicken evenly.
- Keep an eye on cooking times; if using brown rice, adjust the baking time accordingly.
By following these tips, you’ll serve up a delicious and satisfying chicken and rice dish paired with refreshing tzatziki! Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (such as basmati)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
For the Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and about 45 minutes to cook in the oven. You’ll have the tzatziki ready while the chicken and rice are baking, making it a pretty quick and hassle-free meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Rice Mixture:
In your prepared baking dish, combine the rice, sliced onions, chicken pieces, olive oil, chicken broth, turmeric, ground cumin, garlic powder, optional smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Bake the Dish:
Cover the dish securely with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
4. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken and rice are baking, prepare your tzatziki. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure you’ve squeezed out excess liquid!), minced garlic, chopped dill or mint, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely combined, then refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
5. Fluff and Serve the Chicken and Rice:
Once the baking time is up, remove the dish from the oven. Take off the foil and fluff the rice gently with a fork—for the best results! Serve the chicken and rice warm.
6. Add Tzatziki and Garnish:
Dollop your prepared tzatziki on top of the chicken and rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and some lemon wedges for squeezing over the dish to add a burst of freshness.
7. Enjoy!
Optionally, you can serve your meal with pita bread or a crisp salad for a complete dinner experience. Enjoy this delightful and easy dish with friends and family!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice! Just keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. Increase the baking time to about 1 hour or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt for the Tzatziki?
No problem! You can substitute regular yogurt or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Just make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed since different yogurts can vary in flavor.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach. Just make sure they are cut into bite-sized pieces and added to the baking dish at the same time as the rice and chicken.
