Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Minimal chopping and no pre-cooking required.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean up afterward.
- Nutritious and Flavorful: Packed with lean protein, veggies, and wholesome ingredients.
- Customizable: Adaptable to different dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out the excess water. In a bowl, combine the cucumber, Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix and refrigerate until serving.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread uncooked rice at the bottom of the dish, then pour chicken broth over it. Arrange chicken pieces on top of the rice.
- Season the Dish: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the chicken and rice, making sure to coat evenly.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Check for doneness, and if needed, bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve: Top the casserole with optional feta, olives, or red onions. Spoon tzatziki sauce over the casserole or serve on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Protein Options: Swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or tofu.
- Vegetarian Version: Use chickpeas or roasted veggies like zucchini and eggplant instead of chicken.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or spinach.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or bake in the oven until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but it requires a longer cooking time. Increase the broth and extend baking time by 15–20 minutes.
What if I don’t have tzatziki ingredients?
You can use store-bought tzatziki or make a quick substitute with plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, and dried dill.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki sauce and skip the feta cheese topping.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the dish?
Grease the baking dish well, and ensure the rice is fully covered with broth before baking.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may take a little longer to cook through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What if my rice isn’t fully cooked after baking?
If the rice isn’t tender after baking, add a little more broth and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix in veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, this casserole keeps well for several days in the fridge, making it a great meal prep option.
Can I use a different type of rice?
Basmati or jasmine rice works best for this recipe, but you can use other long-grain varieties as well.
How can I make this spicier?
Add red chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the tzatziki or the casserole itself for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is an easy, flavorful, and nutritious meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this dish brings the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine right to your table with minimal cleanup. Enjoy this one-pan wonder with your family and friends!
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a Mediterranean-inspired one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, rice, and creamy tzatziki sauce. This easy, nutritious meal requires minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and vibrant flavors, it’s the ultimate hassle-free dinner with only one pan to clean!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried dill (or 2 tsp fresh dill, chopped)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water. In a bowl, combine cucumber, Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread uncooked rice at the bottom, then pour chicken broth over it. Arrange chicken pieces on top.
- Season the Dish: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the chicken and rice, coating evenly.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. If needed, bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Top with optional feta, olives, or red onions. Spoon tzatziki sauce over the casserole or serve on the side.
Notes
- Protein Options: Swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or tofu.
- Vegetarian Version: Use chickpeas or roasted veggies like zucchini and eggplant instead of chicken.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or spinach for more nutrition.
