Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice recipe is the perfect hands-off meal for busy nights. Combining tender chicken with fragrant rice and creamy tzatziki, it delivers effortless Greek-inspired flavors in one dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Long Grain White Rice (Jasmine or basmati rice are great alternatives)
• 4 cups Chicken Broth (Or water for a less savory option)
• 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Skinless thighs are a tasty substitute)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Drizzled on chicken for a golden crust)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Essential for flavor)
• 1 cup Greek Yogurt (Or dairy-free yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh garlic infuses robust flavor)
• 1 cup Grated Cucumber (Squeeze out excess moisture)
• 2 tablespoons Dill (Fresh preferred over dried)
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Brightens the sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Oregano (Can mix up with Italian seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon Paprika (Enhances flavor profile)
• 1 cup Cucumber Substitute (Diced zucchini or bell pepper work)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Spread uncooked rice evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Step 3: Pour chicken broth (or water) over the rice without stirring.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, dill, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Step 5: Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel; drizzle with olive oil and place on top of the rice.
6. Step 6: Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast.
7. Step 7: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 50 to 60 minutes.
8. Step 8: Rest the dish for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.
9. Step 9: Serve garnished with additional fresh dill or parsley and lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

• Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
• Try swapping the cucumber with diced zucchini or bell pepper for a fresh twist.
• If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the garlic or omit the paprika.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut or almond-based yogurt.
• Ensure to squeeze excess moisture from the grated cucumber to keep the tzatziki thick and creamy.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The rice may absorb some moisture, so you can add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Consider pre-cooking the brown rice slightly before assembling the dish for best results.

Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil while baking?

Yes, covering the dish with foil traps steam, cooking the chicken and rice evenly and keeping the dish moist.

Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 122 reviews

This Dump And Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice recipe combines tender chicken breasts baked atop fragrant long grain rice, infused with savory chicken broth and topped with a creamy, flavorful homemade tzatziki sauce. Effortlessly prepared in one baking dish, this Greek-inspired meal is perfect for a wholesome, comforting dinner with minimal cleanup.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 2 to 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 2 cups Long Grain White Rice (Jasmine or basmati rice are great alternatives)
• 4 cups Chicken Broth (Or water for a less savory option)
• 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Skinless thighs are a tasty substitute)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Drizzled on chicken for a golden crust)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Essential for flavor)

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek Yogurt (Or dairy-free yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh garlic infuses robust flavor)
• 1 cup Grated Cucumber (Squeeze out excess moisture)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill (Preferred over dried)
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Brightens the sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Oregano (Can mix up with Italian seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon Paprika (Enhances flavor profile)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper

Optional Substitute

• 1 cup Cucumber Substitute (Diced zucchini or bell pepper work well)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish evenly.
2. Arrange Rice: Spread the uncooked rice evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish to create a uniform base for cooking.
3. Add Liquid: Pour the chicken broth or water over the rice without stirring, ensuring the rice remains untouched for proper absorption during baking.
4. Mix Tzatziki Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber (with excess moisture squeezed out), fresh dill, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a creamy sauce.
5. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, drizzle olive oil over them for a golden crust, and season with salt and pepper if desired.
6. Assemble Dish: Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice evenly in the baking dish, then spread a generous amount of the tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast.
7. Bake: Cover the entire baking dish tightly with foil to trap moisture and bake in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes, allowing the rice to cook fully and the chicken to become tender.
8. Rest: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and to make serving easier.
9. Serve: Garnish with additional fresh dill or parsley and lemon wedges for brightness, then serve warm and enjoy your effortlessly flavorful meal.

Notes

• For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
• You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
• If preferred, replace chicken broth with water, but note the flavor will be milder.
• Grated cucumber should be squeezed to remove excess moisture to prevent watery tzatziki sauce.
• Covering the dish tightly with foil is critical to ensure the rice cooks properly by trapping steam.
• Optional cucumber substitute like diced zucchini or bell pepper can be added for variation in texture and flavor.

Keywords: Chicken Tzatziki, Baked Chicken Rice, Greek Chicken Recipe, One Dish Meal, Healthy Chicken Dinner