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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

5.1 from 20 reviews

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and creamy tzatziki sauce over a bed of fluffy rice. With minimal prep and hands-on time, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

  • 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
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Tzatziki:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
  • 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

To Garnish:

  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.

  3. In the baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth (or water), olive oil, garlic, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.

  5. Arrange the chicken pieces evenly over the rice mixture.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice to create the tzatziki base.
  7. Pour the yogurt mixture evenly over the chicken and rice. Spread it gently with the back of a spoon.

  8. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
  10. Remove the foil and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top, if desired. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, uncovered, to melt the cheese slightly.
  11. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
  12. Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  13. Serve warm, alongside a crisp salad or warm pita bread.

Notes

  • This dish can be customized with additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or olives.
  • For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki, One-Pot Greek Chicken and Rice, Easy Tzatziki Chicken Casserole