This easy dump and bake chicken is a lifesaver! Juicy chicken and fluffy rice come together with a cool, creamy tzatziki twist. It’s simple and perfect for a busy day!
You just toss everything into a dish and let the oven do the work—what could be better? I love enjoying it with some extra tzatziki on top. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they cook evenly. You can swap them with thighs for a juicier option or use tofu for a vegetarian choice!
Rice: Basmati rice gives a lovely fluffy texture while absorbing flavors well. If you don’t have it, long-grain rice works too; just adjust the cooking time based on the type of rice you use.
Spices: The spices are key to flavor! Ground turmeric and cumin give a wonderful taste. You can replace turmeric with curry powder for a different twist, and leave out the smoked paprika if you prefer a milder flavor.
Tzatziki Sauce: Greek yogurt is ideal for creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, coconut yogurt or cashew cream can work too. Be sure to taste and adjust the salt as needed!
How Do You Make Sure the Rice is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking rice perfectly in a dump-and-bake dish can be tricky. Here’s how to ensure you nail it:
- Always rinse the rice before using. This removes extra starch and helps prevent it from becoming gummy.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil while baking. This keeps the steam in, which is vital for cooked rice.
- Check for doneness after the timer goes off. If the rice seems undercooked, add a splash more broth and cover it back tightly for a few extra minutes.
Following these tips will help you achieve tender, fluffy rice that complements the chicken perfectly!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups basmati or long-grain rice, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon (plus lemon wedges for serving)
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or fresh herbs like oregano for garnish
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take you approximately 15 minutes to prep and about 50-55 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll need a few extra minutes to whip up that tasty tzatziki sauce. In total, expect to spend about 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your dish.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, turmeric, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until the chicken is evenly coated with those delicious spices.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Grab a large baking dish—about 9×13 inches should do. Spread the rinsed rice evenly across the bottom of the dish. Then, sprinkle the sliced onion and minced garlic over the rice, creating a flavorful base.
4. Add the Broth:
Pour the chicken broth or water over the rice mixture. This will help the rice cook perfectly and absorb all the wonderful flavors from the chicken.
5. Layer the Chicken:
Now, take your seasoned chicken and spread it evenly on top of the rice mixture. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over everything for that zesty kick!
6. Bake it Up:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Whip Up the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken and rice are baking, you can prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill or mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Fluff and Serve:
Once the chicken and rice are done baking, remove them from the oven. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to mix everything together. It’s time to serve!
9. Add the Finishing Touches:
Serve the chicken and rice hot, topped with generous dollops of tzatziki sauce. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for that extra zing!
10. Enjoy!
Dig in and savor this flavorful dish! It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or an assortment of veggies, and warm pita bread is a fantastic addition as well.
This easy dump-and-bake method simplifies cooking and allows all the ingredients to blend beautifully. The cooling tzatziki sauce complements the warm, spiced chicken and rice perfectly. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option, or replace the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian dish. If using tofu, just press it to remove excess moisture and cut it into cubes before marinating.
What If I Don’t Have Basmati Rice?
No problem! Long-grain rice will work well as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the baking time based on the type of rice; some varieties may require slightly more or less liquid and time.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and rice mixture the night before. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep it moist.
