Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish evenly.
- Arrange Rice: Spread the uncooked rice evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish to create a uniform base for cooking.
- Add Liquid: Pour the chicken broth or water over the rice without stirring, ensuring the rice remains untouched for proper absorption during baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
