This easy dump-and-bake chicken recipe is a breeze! Juicy chicken is mixed with zesty tzatziki sauce and fluffy rice, making dinner simple and tasty!
I love how it all comes together with just one dish. Less clean-up means more time for dessert! Who’s with me on that? 🍰
This meal is perfect for busy nights since you just mix everything and let it bake. It’s comforting and flavorful—what’s not to love about that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish easy. If you prefer, thighs can be substituted for added flavor and juiciness. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian version.
Rice: Long grain white rice is typical here, but you can swap it with brown rice or even quinoa. Just adjust the liquid and cooking time as needed.
Greek Yogurt: This is key for the creamy tzatziki. If you’re lactose intolerant, you can use a dairy-free yogurt. I love how Greek yogurt adds protein too!
Cucumber: Fresh cucumber adds crunch to the tzatziki. If you can’t find fresh, you might use a small amount of pickle relish instead for a tangy twist.
Dill: Fresh dill is fragrant here, but dried dill works in a pinch. If you want a different flavor, fresh mint can also brighten the dish.
What’s the Best Way to Make a Tasty Tzatziki Sauce?
Making tzatziki is a simple process! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by mixing Greek yogurt with finely chopped or grated cucumber. This brings the cooling flavor.
- Add minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, and olive oil. These ingredients combine to create a fresh taste.
- Season with salt and pepper to balance the flavors. Let it chill in the fridge while the chicken cooks for the best taste!
This sauce pairs perfectly with the baked chicken and rice, making your meal refreshing and enjoyable! Don’t skip the tzatziki; it’s the star of this dish.
Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (for tzatziki)
- 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped or grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp dried oregano
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or dill
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then about 40-45 minutes to bake. So, you’ll have a delicious, home-cooked meal ready in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dish bakes evenly from the start!
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined and creamy. Set it aside for now—this will add flavor later!
3. Prepare the Rice:
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the rinsed rice evenly across the bottom. This will be the base for your meal. Don’t skip rinsing the rice; it helps remove extra starch for better texture!
4. Add Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth over the rice. Remember, do not stir! The rice will soak up the broth as it cooks.
5. Place Chicken on Top:
Now, take the chicken breasts and place them right on top of the rice. Drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken and season with salt, pepper, and oregano if you’re using it. This will add delicious flavor!
6. Add Tzatziki Sauce:
Spoon about half of the tzatziki sauce over the chicken. This gives it a lovely, zesty flavor as it cooks.
7. Cover and Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps steam the chicken and keeps everything moist while it bakes.
8. Baking Time:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is thoroughly cooked (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
9. Finish with More Tzatziki:
Once baked, carefully remove the foil. Spread the remaining tzatziki sauce over the chicken and rice for a fresh flavor boost!
10. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, garnish with some fresh parsley or dill for an extra touch. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful and easy dump-and-bake chicken with tzatziki rice!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the quick method by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging in cold water. Make sure they are fully thawed before proceeding with the recipe!
How Can I Make This Meal Gluten-Free?
This recipe is typically gluten-free, especially with long grain rice. Just ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free, as some brands might contain gluten. You can also use quinoa for an alternative grain if desired.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can do so gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the tzatziki sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge to let the flavors meld together. Stir before serving to refresh it!
