This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice recipe is like a cozy hug in a bowl, with each bite offering a burst of freshness and heartiness all at once. The chicken comes out tender and juicy, perfectly complemented by the tangy, creamy tzatziki sauce that coats each piece. It’s like the sauce has seeped into every little crevice of the rice, infusing it with flavor so you get a perfect bite every time. I love how the simple ingredients come together effortlessly, and the rice, still warm and fluffy, balances out the zesty cucumbers and garlic in the sauce. The blend of Mediterranean spices ties it all together in a dish that feels both light and satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe where you don’t need to do much prep but still end up with something that feels like a treat—just one pan, and the whole meal comes together without fuss. Trust me, this is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself going back to, time and again.
Key Ingredients in Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
These ingredients come together to create the magic that is Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice. Each one plays a specific role, adding layers of flavor, texture, and richness to this cozy meal. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each of them so special:
* Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Tender and juicy, the chicken is the heart of this dish. It cooks perfectly in the pan, absorbing the flavors around it, and remains moist with every bite.
* Long grain white rice
Light and fluffy, this rice serves as the base of the dish. It soaks up all the delicious juices and tzatziki sauce, making each spoonful flavorful and satisfying.
* Chicken broth
This adds depth and richness to the rice, making it more flavorful while keeping it moist as it bakes. It’s the secret to ensuring the rice cooks to perfection, with just the right amount of tenderness.
* Tzatziki sauce
The star of the show, this tangy, creamy sauce ties everything together. Its cooling cucumber, zesty garlic, and smooth yogurt create a fresh, vibrant contrast to the heartiness of the chicken and rice.
* Olive oil
Just a tablespoon of this adds a silky texture and helps the chicken and rice cook evenly. It also enhances the flavors of the Mediterranean spices, giving them a rich, savory base.
* Garlic powder
A little garlic goes a long way, infusing the rice and chicken with a subtle savory depth that complements the creamy tzatziki sauce perfectly.
* Onion powder
Another layer of savory goodness, the onion powder gives the dish a mild, sweet onion flavor without the need for fresh onions. It blends effortlessly into the overall flavor profile.
* Salt
Essential for bringing all the flavors together, the salt ensures the rice, chicken, and tzatziki sauce taste balanced and well-seasoned.
* Black pepper
Just a touch of black pepper adds a gentle kick to the dish, making the flavors pop without overpowering them.
* Dried oregano
This herb brings that classic Mediterranean flavor to the dish, with its slightly bitter, earthy notes that pair so well with the creamy tzatziki sauce and tender chicken.
* Crumbled feta cheese
The feta adds a salty, tangy finish to the dish, giving each bite an extra burst of flavor and texture that’s both creamy and crumbly.
* Chopped fresh parsley
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a refreshing, herby flavor that brightens up the dish, making it even more inviting.
How to Make Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano evenly over the chicken breasts.
5. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the long grain white rice and chicken broth.
6. Pour the rice and broth mixture around the chicken breasts in the baking dish, making sure the rice is evenly spread out.
7. Spoon the tzatziki sauce over the chicken breasts, spreading it out to cover them completely.
8. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
9. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
10. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer.
11. If the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), proceed to the next step.
12. If the chicken hasn’t reached the desired temperature, continue baking uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
13. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven.
14. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken and rice.
15. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, just until the feta cheese starts to soften.
16. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
17. Garnish the dish with the chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
18. Serve the chicken and rice hot, ensuring a generous portion of the creamy tzatziki sauce with each bite.
Serving Suggestions for Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
– Pair with a simple Greek salad: A crisp, refreshing Greek salad with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of olive oil is the perfect side to balance the richness of the chicken and tzatziki. The crunch and tanginess will really complement the creamy, savory flavors in the main dish!
– Serve with warm pita bread: A basket of warm pita bread on the side is always a hit. You can scoop up the creamy tzatziki sauce, or use it to soak up all the delicious juices from the chicken and rice. It adds a little extra heartiness and brings that Mediterranean touch to the meal.
– Add a squeeze of lemon: Just before serving, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the chicken and rice for an extra zing of citrusy brightness. It cuts through the richness and adds a fresh, vibrant burst of flavor that’ll make every bite feel even more lively and refreshing!
How to Store Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so delicious!), here are a few simple ways to store and enjoy it later while keeping it as fresh as possible:
– Refrigerating: Store any leftover chicken tzatziki rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the microwave or reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. If the rice seems a little dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating.
– Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the leftovers! Just transfer the chicken and rice into a freezer-safe container and make sure it’s well sealed. It should last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and then reheat as usual. The tzatziki sauce might lose a little of its creamy texture, but it’ll still taste amazing.
– Separating for storage: If you want to keep the tzatziki sauce fresh and vibrant, store it in a separate container from the chicken and rice. That way, you can add the sauce right before serving, keeping that creamy, cool texture just as perfect as when you first made it!
With these storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the flavors of this cozy dish even after the first meal!
Conclusion
And there you have it! This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve just created something special with minimal effort—perfect for those busy nights when you want something comforting yet full of fresh, vibrant flavors. The chicken is juicy, the rice is tender, and that tzatziki sauce? It’s the perfect creamy, tangy finish that brings it all together. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, and how it feels like a Mediterranean escape in a single bite.
Feel free to save this recipe for later use—trust me, it’s one you’ll want to come back to time and time again! If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Got any comments or feedback? Or maybe a question about the recipe? Let me know—I’m always happy to chat and help out! Happy cooking, my friend!
Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Description
A one-pan wonder that’s bursting with flavor! Tender chicken smothered in creamy tzatziki sauce, paired with fluffy rice and a hint of lemony zest. It's easy, fresh, and irresistibly delicious—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
-
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
-
Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano evenly over the chicken breasts.
-
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the long grain white rice and chicken broth.
-
Pour the rice and broth mixture around the chicken breasts in the baking dish, making sure the rice is evenly spread out.
-
Spoon the tzatziki sauce over the chicken breasts, spreading it out to cover them completely.
-
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
-
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
-
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer.
-
If the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), proceed to the next step.
-
If the chicken hasn't reached the desired temperature, continue baking uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
-
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven.
-
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken and rice.
-
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, just until the feta cheese starts to soften.
-
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
-
Garnish the dish with the chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
-
Serve the chicken and rice hot, ensuring a generous portion of the creamy tzatziki sauce with each bite.
Note
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in tzatziki sauce for 30 minutes before baking.
- Consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Make sure the rice is evenly spread around the chicken for consistent cooking.
- For a crunchy topping, add breadcrumbs or more feta cheese during the last few minutes of baking.
- You can substitute the parsley with fresh dill for a more traditional Greek flavor.
