This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice dish is a lovely mix of juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s a one-pan meal that makes dinner a breeze!
You just toss everything together, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. Perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without fussing in the kitchen! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: For a juicy result, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect. If you’re looking for a quicker option, you can use chicken thighs. They add more flavor and are less likely to dry out during cooking.
Rice: Long-grain white rice gives this dish a fluffy texture. If you prefer brown rice, just know it will require a bit more cooking time and liquid.
Tzatziki Sauce: This adds that refreshing touch! You can use store-bought tzatziki to save time, or make your own using yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. Greek yogurt can also be a great base if you’re in a pinch!
Vegetables: The red onion and bell pepper provide flavor and color. You can swap them for any veggies you like or have on hand such as zucchini or spinach for a different twist!
How Do You Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy?
Keeping your chicken juicy is key in this dump-and-bake method. The chicken should always rest on top of the rice mixture; this allows it to cook without absorbing too much moisture.
- Covering the dish tightly with foil helps trap steam, which cooks the chicken evenly.
- Check the doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- Letting the dish rest for a few minutes after baking lets juices redistribute, keeping your chicken tender.
These tips should help you succeed with this easy and delicious recipe! Enjoy your meal!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Protein & Grains:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
Liquid & Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Vegetables:
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
For Serving:
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 45–55 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around an hour of cooking time. It’s a quick and easy way to get a wholesome meal on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important so that your chicken and rice cook evenly.
2. Prepare the Rice Mixture:
In a large baking dish, mix together the uncooked rice, chicken broth, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined so the flavors blend perfectly.
3. Add the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. This way, the chicken juices will flavor the rice as it cooks!
4. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts to help them stay moist and add flavor.
5. Layer on the Veggies:
Scatter the sliced red onion, diced red bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes all over the chicken and rice. This adds color and delicious taste!
6. Bake It!
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. This will cook the chicken and allow the rice to absorb all the liquid.
7. Check for Doneness:
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Check if the rice is tender and if the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the chicken isn’t browned yet, bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes.
8. Let It Rest:
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything firm up a bit.
9. Add Tzatziki Sauce:
Spoon generous amounts of tzatziki sauce over the chicken and rice just before serving. It adds a creamy, tangy flavor that’s simply irresistible!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill. If you like, serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick!
Enjoy your easy, flavorful dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki rice! It’s a delicious and comforting meal that the whole family will love!
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can! If you prefer brown rice, just be aware that it will require additional cooking time and more liquid. Use about 2 cups of chicken broth and increase the baking time to about 60-70 minutes, checking for doneness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in different vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or even carrots. Just keep the ratio similar so the cooking times remain consistent.
Is It Possible to Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep everything and store it in the fridge (without baking) for up to a day. When ready to cook, just cover and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes if it’s starting from cold.
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions about this delicious recipe!
