This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice is a fun and tasty meal! Just throw everything together in a dish and let the oven do the work while you relax.
The chicken stays juicy, and the tzatziki rice adds a refreshing twist. I love that I can make this and still have time for a quick dance break in the kitchen! 💃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider chicken thighs, which can add more flavor. You can also use firm tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Rice: Long grain rice is my go-to for a fluffy texture. Basmati is wonderful as well! If you’re looking for alternatives, quinoa or cauliflower rice are excellent choices. Just adjust the cooking liquid to suit.
Greek Yogurt: This is the base of our tzatziki sauce. If you’re dairy-free, coconut yogurt works too! Just check that it’s unsweetened. Also, I find full-fat Greek yogurt gives a creamier texture compared to low-fat varieties.
Cucumber: Grated cucumber adds a refreshing crunch to tzatziki. If you’re out of fresh cucumbers, try grated zucchini, but be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Juicy Chicken and Fluffy Rice?
Getting that perfect juiciness in chicken and tenderness in rice is all about timing and technique. Here’s how to pull it off:
- Preheat your oven: Always ensure it’s hot enough. This helps cook the chicken even and retains its moisture.
- Tightly cover the dish: Using aluminum foil traps steam, which keeps the chicken juicy and helps the rice cook effectively.
- Let it rest: After baking, let the dish sit covered for a bit. This allows flavors to meld while the rice absorbs extra moisture.
Stick to these tips, and your chicken and rice will turn out wonderfully every time!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long grain rice (white or basmati)
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish requires about 10 minutes of preparation time and 40-45 minutes for baking. You’ll be enjoying your meal in under an hour—perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready for cooking the chicken and rice together.
2. Prepare the Rice Mixture:
In a large baking dish, combine the rice, chicken broth, sliced onion, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly.
3. Add the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Drizzle them with a little more olive oil and sprinkle additional salt and pepper over the chicken for flavor.
4. Bake the Dish:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through—no pink inside—and the rice is tender.
5. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken and rice are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out any extra moisture), minced garlic, lemon juice, dill or mint, salt, and pepper. Mix well and taste; adjust the seasoning as you like.
6. Rest the Dish:
Once the chicken and rice are done baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit covered for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken over the rice and generously spoon the tzatziki sauce on top. If you’d like, add some fresh parsley or dill for a lovely garnish. Dig in and enjoy your easy, delicious meal!
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Make sure to check that the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) before serving.
Can I Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the tzatziki sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully!
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem! You can simply use water instead. However, using broth adds extra flavor to the rice, so if you have vegetable broth, that’s a great alternative as well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
