This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice is a total lifesaver for busy nights. You just toss everything in one dish and let the oven do the magic. Yum!
I love how the creamy tzatziki sauce mixes with tender chicken and fluffy rice. It’s like a hug on a plate! Plus, less cleanup means more time for Netflix! 🍿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Long Grain White Rice: This type is perfect for this recipe, but you could swap it for brown rice or even quinoa if you want a healthier option. Just adjust the liquid and cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are great, but thighs bring more flavor and tenderness! If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or tofu seasoned with the same spices.
Spices: Turmeric, cumin, and paprika give lovely flavor, but feel free to use a pre-made curry powder if you have it! However, keep in mind that it might add extra spices not in the original recipe.
Greek Yogurt: This is the base for your tzatziki. If you’re dairy-free, coconut yogurt works too! Just go for an unsweetened version; otherwise, your sauce may end up tasting odd.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken and Rice Cook Evenly?
To make sure everything cooks perfectly, don’t stir once you add the chicken broth! Layering helps the rice absorb the flavors as it cooks while keeping the chicken juicy.
- Start with rinsed rice at the bottom; it helps remove excess starch and keeps it fluffy.
- Spread the seasoned chicken evenly on top for consistent cooking.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam, making the rice tender while keeping the chicken moist.
Remember, after baking, fluff the rice gently with a fork to keep it light and airy. Enjoy your meal!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, finely grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prep, plus 40 minutes of baking time. In total, you’ll need around 50 minutes from start to finish. Most of that time is baking, so you can relax or prepare other sides while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Rice, Onion, and Garlic:
In the greased baking dish, combine the rinsed rice, sliced onion, and minced garlic. Spread them out evenly across the bottom of the dish.
3. Season the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chicken pieces with olive oil, turmeric, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the chicken is well-coated with the spices.
4. Layer the Chicken:
Carefully scatter the seasoned chicken pieces evenly over the rice mixture in your baking dish. This gives the rice a chance to soak up all the delicious chicken flavors.
5. Add Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth evenly over the rice and chicken. Be sure not to stir it at this point. The layering is key for perfect cooking!
6. Bake:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
7. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken and rice are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
8. Fluff and Serve:
Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to combine the layers.
9. Add Tzatziki:
Spoon generous dollops of tzatziki sauce over the chicken and rice. This adds scrumptious creaminess!
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious and easy meal!
This easy dump and bake chicken with tzatziki rice combines hearty flavors and creamy sauce, making it perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy your cooking!
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You’ll need to add an extra half cup of chicken broth and increase the baking time to about 50-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken If I Want a Vegetarian Option?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using chickpeas or cubed tofu. Make sure to season them with the same spices for flavor, and adjust the cooking time accordingly, baking just until heated through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist!
Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tzatziki sauce a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This will allow the flavors to meld even better!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions about this delightful recipe! Enjoy cooking!
