Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice: An Easy Weeknight Delight

Imagine a world where a delicious, flavor-packed Mediterranean dinner comes together in one pan with virtually no effort. That’s the magic of this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice. This recipe is your new secret weapon for busy weeknights, delivering a complete, satisfying meal without the pile of dishes. We combine tender chicken, fluffy rice, and bright Greek flavors, then top it all with a cool, creamy homemade tzatziki. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe

This isn’t just another easy dinner; it’s a game-changer for your meal routine. Here’s why this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your rotation:

• Effortless Preparation: The “dump and bake” method is as simple as it sounds. You just combine the ingredients in a baking dish and let the oven do all the work.
• One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to cleanup chaos. Everything cooks together in a single pan, making this the perfect meal for those nights when you can’t bear the thought of scrubbing multiple pots.
• Rich Mediterranean Flavors: We use classic Greek seasonings like oregano, garlic, and lemon to infuse every bite with incredible flavor. The fresh, homemade tzatziki on top cuts through the richness perfectly.
• Healthy and Hearty: This is a well-balanced meal with lean protein, wholesome rice, and fresh herbs. It’s a dish you can feel good about serving to your family. For another healthy Mediterranean option, you have to try these amazing stuffed sweet potatoes.

The Secret to Perfect Dump and Bake: Key Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but using the right ingredients is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need.

For the Chicken and Rice Bake

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best as they stay incredibly juicy during baking. You can also use chicken breasts, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Long-Grain White Rice: Use a good quality long-grain white rice, like Basmati or Jasmine. It’s crucial not to use instant or brown rice, as the liquid ratio and cooking time are specifically for white rice.
• Chicken Broth: This is our primary cooking liquid. Using broth instead of water adds a significant layer of flavor to the rice.
• Lemon: We use both the zest and juice for a bright, citrusy kick that is essential in Greek cooking.
• Garlic and Onion: Freshly minced garlic and finely chopped onion create the aromatic base for the entire dish.
• Seasonings: Dried oregano, salt, and black pepper are all you need to perfectly season the chicken and rice.

For the Creamy Homemade Tzatziki

• Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat, plain Greek yogurt for the richest, creamiest texture.
• Cucumber: Grating the cucumber and squeezing out the excess water is the most important step for a thick, non-watery tzatziki.
• Fresh Dill: Fresh dill is a non-negotiable for authentic tzatziki flavor. Its fresh, slightly tangy taste is iconic. If you’re a fan of lemon and dill, this lemon dill baked salmon is another must-try.
• Garlic: A single minced clove adds the perfect pungent bite.
• Lemon Juice: A little fresh lemon juice brightens up all the flavors.

How to Make Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice (Step-by-Step)

This simple process will have dinner in the oven in under 10 minutes. Just follow these steps for a perfect result every time.

For the Bake

1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Combine Rice Mixture: In the baking dish, “dump” in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Add Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them generously on both sides with a bit more salt, pepper, and oregano. Nestle the chicken thighs into the rice mixture in a single layer.
4. Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish tightly with foil. This is crucial for steaming the rice properly. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.

For the Tzatziki Sauce

1. Prep the Cucumber: While the chicken is baking, grate the cucumber. Place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the strained cucumber, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth.
3. Chill: Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the tzatziki for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips for the Best Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

A few simple tricks can elevate this easy dish from great to absolutely unforgettable.

• Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the dish tightly for the initial baking period is essential. It traps the steam, ensuring the rice cooks evenly and becomes perfectly fluffy.
• Rest the Dish: After you pull the baking dish from the oven, let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any final bits of moisture and finish steaming.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t be shy with the toppings! A generous dollop of tzatziki, a sprinkle of fresh feta cheese, some chopped fresh dill, and a few lemon wedges for squeezing take this dish to the next level.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to mix things up? This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Try one of these simple variations:

• Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of chopped bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or a handful of cherry tomatoes with the rice mixture before baking.
• Make it Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the rice mixture for a gentle kick of heat.
• Dairy-Free Option: You can easily find dairy-free Greek-style yogurt to make a delicious dairy-free tzatziki.

What to Serve with Your Chicken Tzatziki Rice

This is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, it pairs beautifully with a simple Greek salad with a light vinaigrette. Warm pita bread is also perfect for scooping up every last bite of the delicious tzatziki sauce. For a heartier side, these crispy garlic parmesan potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the tzatziki sauce in a separate container to keep it fresh. To reheat, place the chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through. Add the cold tzatziki sauce just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Share Your Creations!

We are so excited for you to try this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice recipe! It’s the perfect combination of easy, healthy, and delicious. If you make it, we would love to see it! Snap a photo and share your masterpiece with us on Pinterest. Don’t forget to leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out!

Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe

FL Recipes

Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice: An Easy Weeknight Delight

This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is the ultimate one-pan weeknight meal! Tender chicken and fluffy rice are baked in a savory lemon-herb broth and topped with a cool, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce for an effortless Mediterranean dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice uncooked
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced, divided
• 1 lemon zested and juiced
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt full-fat recommended
• 0.5 large cucumber grated and squeezed dry
• 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh

Equipment

• 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
• 1 Aluminum Foil
• 1 Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In the baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, lemon zest, juice of half a lemon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them on both sides with additional salt, pepper, and oregano. Nestle the chicken into the rice mixture.
4. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and chicken is fully cooked.
5. While the chicken bakes, prepare the tzatziki. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out all excess moisture using a clean towel. In a bowl, mix the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, chopped dill, the remaining 1 clove of minced garlic, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Let the baked chicken and rice rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. Serve warm, topped with a generous dollop of the fresh tzatziki sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalProtein: 42gFat: 22gFiber: 3g

Notes

Tip 1: For the best tzatziki, make it ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together in the fridge.
Tip 2: Ensure the baking dish is covered very tightly with foil to prevent the rice from drying out and to ensure it steams properly.

Keyword chicken and rice,dump and bake,one pan meal,tzatziki recipe

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