Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a simple, flavorful casserole perfect for busy weeknights. Layered with tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a creamy Greek yogurt topping, it comes together in one dish for easy prep and cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In the baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth or water, olive oil, minced garlic, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
3. Step 3: Arrange the chicken pieces evenly over the rice mixture.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice to create the tzatziki base.
5. Step 5: Pour the yogurt mixture evenly over the chicken and rice. Spread gently with the back of a spoon to cover the top.
6. Step 6: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Step 7: Remove the foil and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top, if using. Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to slightly melt the cheese.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the rice mixture.
• If you prefer, substitute quinoa or brown rice, adjusting cooking time and liquid accordingly.
• Serve with warm pita bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Avoid reheating the yogurt topping at high temperatures to maintain its creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken pieces to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely before assembling the casserole.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative and omit the feta cheese to keep it dairy-free while maintaining the tangy flavor.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 131 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a simple and flavorful one-dish meal combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce baked together to perfection. Infused with Mediterranean herbs and spices, it’s an effortless dinner that comes together quickly in one pan, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Casserole:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish to prevent sticking.
3. Combine Base Ingredients: In the baking dish, mix the uncooked rice, chicken broth (or water), olive oil, minced garlic, dried dill, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the rice and liquid.
4. Add Chicken: Arrange the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly over the rice mixture to ensure even cooking.
5. Make Tzatziki Base: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber with excess water squeezed out, and lemon juice to create a creamy tzatziki sauce.
6. Pour Tzatziki Over Chicken and Rice: Pour the yogurt mixture evenly over the chicken and rice in the baking dish. Spread gently with the back of a spoon to coat evenly.
7. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Add Feta Cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top if using, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to slightly melt and brown the cheese.
9. Garnish and Rest: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the casserole. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dish to set slightly.
10. Serve: Serve warm alongside a crisp salad or warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Notes

• Use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs tend to be juicier.
• Squeezing excess water out of the grated cucumber prevents the tzatziki from becoming too watery.
• If using fresh dill instead of dried, double the amount for a stronger flavor.
• For a vegan variation, substitute chicken with tofu and use plant-based yogurt, but cooking times may vary.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: chicken tzatziki recipe, baked chicken with rice, Greek chicken casserole, easy one-dish meal, Mediterranean chicken bake