There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pan meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, healthy, and packed with Mediterranean flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.

Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with creamy, garlicky tzatziki sauce, baked alongside fluffy, seasoned rice—all in one dish. This meal brings together the refreshing taste of tzatziki with the warmth of a baked casserole, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Plus, there’s no need for pre-cooking, marinating, or extra pans. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!

If you love Mediterranean cuisine but want something easy and fuss-free, this dish is for you. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy Greek-inspired flavors while keeping things simple and mess-free.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking – Everything is mixed and baked in one dish. No extra pots or pans!
• Bold Mediterranean Flavors – Tzatziki sauce, garlic, lemon, and herbs create an irresistible taste.
• Perfect for Busy Nights – Prep time is minimal, and the oven does all the work.
• Healthy & Balanced – Protein-packed chicken, nourishing rice, and a creamy yet light sauce.
• Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of ½ lemon

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 small cucumber (grated and excess water squeezed out)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried dill or fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Diced cucumbers and tomatoes
• Crumbled feta cheese

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

This dish is as easy as it gets—just a few simple steps, and the oven does the rest!

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Assemble the Dish

In the baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the rice is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken pieces and season them with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Scatter the chicken evenly over the rice mixture, then squeeze the lemon juice on top.

Step 4: Bake Until Tender

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. If the rice still has too much liquid, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the excess moisture evaporates.

Step 5: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken and rice bake, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, dried dill, and olive oil. Stir well, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Once the chicken and rice are done, let them sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork. Drizzle the homemade tzatziki sauce over the top and garnish with fresh parsley, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, or crumbled feta cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!

Helpful Tips

• Use the Right Rice – Long-grain white rice works best because it cooks evenly with the chicken. Brown rice will require a longer cooking time.
• Don’t Skip the Lemon – The fresh lemon juice enhances the flavors and balances the richness of the tzatziki sauce.
• Adjust the Tzatziki Thickness – If your tzatziki sauce is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or olive oil to loosen it up.
• Check for Doneness – The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the rice should be fully tender.
• Make it Spicier – Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: High-Protein

Notes

• Rice Consistency: If the rice isn’t fully cooked after the recommended baking time, simply cover the dish again and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until tender.
• Broth Substitutes: You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a slightly different flavor.
• Tzatziki Sauce Variations: Traditional tzatziki includes fresh dill, but if you’re not a fan, you can substitute it with parsley or leave it out.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap the Greek yogurt in the tzatziki sauce for a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
• Make it a Complete Meal: Serve with a simple Greek salad or warm pita bread for a well-rounded dinner.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store portions in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
• Extra Protein: If you want a higher-protein meal, you can add chickpeas or an extra serving of chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to add extra broth and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.

Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?

Of course! If you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought tzatziki will work just fine.

What other vegetables can I add?

Chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach would be great additions. Just mix them in before baking.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs stay juicier and will work just as well. You may need to bake them for a few extra minutes.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm.

Freezer:

You can freeze this dish before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

If freezing after baking, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat as needed.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice, here are some more easy and delicious meals to try:

• Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Classic
• Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Breast

Conclusion

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is the ultimate combination of ease and flavor. It’s a meal that feels special without the extra work, making it perfect for weeknights or meal prep. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy tzatziki sauce, every bite is packed with Mediterranean goodness.

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