Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

The Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe is your answer to a bright, Mediterranean-inspired weeknight dinner that’s as effortless as it is delicious. Imagine all the flavors you crave in a Greek meal—herby chicken, creamy tzatziki, and fluffy rice—coming together in a single baking dish with hardly any prep! Whether you’re looking for something comforting and filling or want to impress guests with minimal fuss, this dish brings together tangy yogurt, bold herbs, and juicy chicken for a meal everyone will ask for again. Every bite is bursting with color, freshness, and just the right amount of decadence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity—nothing fancy, just solid, flavorful ingredients that shine when baked together. Each element in this dish plays a special role, from the perfectly tender chicken to the tangy Greek yogurt that brings everything together.

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these provide juicy protein and soak up all the herby goodness in the dish.
• Long-Grain White Rice: Uncooked rice bakes to fluffy perfection, absorbing the flavor-packed broth during cooking.
• Chicken Broth or Water: Use broth for extra depth or water for a lighter touch; it’s what cooks the rice and keeps things moist.
• Plain Greek Yogurt: The star of the tzatziki layer, this adds creamy tang and makes the casserole irresistibly luscious.
• Grated Cucumber: Squeeze out the excess water for the best texture—cucumber brings fresh crunch and classic tzatziki flavor.
• Olive Oil: Just a couple of tablespoons add richness and aid in roasting everything evenly.
• Garlic Cloves (minced): Whether you’re a garlic lover or not, don’t skip these! They infuse every layer with aroma and zest.
• Dried Dill (or Fresh Dill): Use what you have; dill is classic in tzatziki and brings a breezy, herby note.
• Dried Oregano: Another Mediterranean staple for that earthy, robust undertone.
• Ground Cumin: Just a pinch brings subtle warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste—season generously, especially if using water instead of broth.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh from one lemon, it brightens the entire dish and balances the creaminess.
• Crumbled Feta Cheese (optional): Sprinkle on top before finishing in the oven for a salty, melty bonus.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness at the end.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). A properly hot oven ensures the rice cooks evenly and the yogurt topping bubbles perfectly. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Rice Base

In your prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth (or water), olive oil, minced garlic, dried dill, oregano, cumin, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well so every grain of rice and drop of broth is seasoned and ready for the magic to happen.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Scatter the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly over the rice mixture. This way, each piece cooks uniformly and soaks up all those fragrant herbs and spices.

Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Layer

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, well-drained grated cucumber, and fresh lemon juice. This blend is your shortcut tzatziki, adding tang and lusciousness to the whole dish.

Step 5: Assemble and Cover

Pour the yogurt mixture evenly across the chicken and rice, gently spreading it into an even layer with the back of a spoon. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to help the rice steam and everything cook through without drying out.

Step 6: Bake Until Tender

Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. The rice will become tender, and the chicken will be cooked through (aim for an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Resist peeking to keep all that lovely steam inside!

Step 7: Finish with Feta

If you’re a cheese lover, remove the foil and sprinkle a generous layer of crumbled feta over the top. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, uncovered, just until the cheese looks a little melty and golden.

Step 8: Garnish and Rest

Sprinkle the whole thing with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for an extra pop of vibrant flavor. Let the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe rest for 5 minutes so all the flavors can mingle.

How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing completes the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe quite like a shower of fresh herbs. A handful of chopped parsley or cilantro and maybe a squeeze of lemon will brighten each serving. A little extra crumbled feta never hurts either, especially if you love a salty punch.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with a crisp Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and red onion. Warm, fluffy pita bread or naan is perfect for scooping up every last creamy, herby bite. For a lighter touch, try serving with simply steamed broccoli or green beans tossed in olive oil and lemon.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of serving family-style, spoon hearty portions onto individual plates in shallow bowls and top with an extra drizzle of olive oil and more fresh herbs. For a party, fill mini ramekins or bake in individual gratin dishes. You can also roll the rice-chicken mixture into warm pita pockets with lettuce and extra tzatziki sauce for a handheld treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Transfer cooled portions of the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors get even better as they mingle, making lunch or dinner the next day a real treat.

Freezing

Want to freeze for later? While rice dishes can sometimes change texture after freezing, this recipe holds up well. Wrap tightly or store in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. For best results, freeze before adding the fresh herb garnish.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until piping hot. If you’re reheating a larger portion in the oven, cover with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook and needs more liquid than the recipe as written. If you’d like to experiment, increase your broth to 2 cups and bake for an extra 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Cover well to trap steam and check for doneness.

Is there a good substitute for Greek yogurt?

Thick plain yogurt works in a pinch, but Greek yogurt’s tang and creamy consistency are best for authentic tzatziki flavor. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based yogurts made from coconut or almond milk, just be sure they’re unsweetened.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Chopped spinach, baby kale, or even halved cherry tomatoes can be added along with the chicken for extra color and nutrients. Make sure to consider extra moisture when adding lots of veggies.

What else can I serve with this recipe?

The Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe is versatile enough to be served with all sorts of sides—grilled or roasted vegetables, a cucumber salad, or even simple lemon wedges for extra zing. Don’t forget the pita or lavash for scooping!

Can I make this recipe ahead?

Yes! You can assemble everything (except the fresh herbs) up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold dish, and sprinkle herbs right before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s big on flavor but short on effort, the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s everything you love about Greek comfort food, magically baked together in one dish. Give it a try—you’ll quickly find it takes center stage in your dinner rotation!

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