Creamy Dump-And-Bake Chicken Tzatziki With Rice Recipe

Golden summer evenings call for simple yet delectable meals that spark joy around the dinner table.

This mouthwatering dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki with rice recipe promises a Mediterranean escape without complicated cooking techniques.

Tender chicken nestles into a bed of fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Zesty yogurt sauce and aromatic herbs dance across each forkful, transporting you to a Greek coastal village.

Fresh ingredients merge effortlessly in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Weeknight dinners never looked so inviting or tasted so remarkable.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this quick and satisfying meal.

Easy Steps To Cook Tzatziki Chicken Bake

• Fire Up the Oven and Prep Your Cooking Vessel

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

• Create Your Flavor Foundation

Pour rice, chicken broth, and a sprinkle of seasonings into the baking dish. Give everything a good mix to distribute those delicious flavors. Gently nestle chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, then lavish the entire dish with a generous layer of creamy tzatziki sauce.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish snugly with foil and slide it into the oven. Let it cook for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice looks fluffy and the chicken reaches a safe 165F (75C) internal temperature.

• Add Fresh Flair and Serve

After pulling the dish from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Top with colorful cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, zesty red onion, crumbled feta, and a handful of fresh herbs. Finish with a squeeze of bright lemon and serve immediately for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.

Flavorful Twists For Tzatziki Chicken

• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and tzatziki sauce a day ahead, refrigerate separately, then assemble just before baking for quick weeknight dinners.
• Protein Swap Potential: Replace chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs or turkey breasts for different flavor profiles and textures.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure chicken broth and tzatziki sauce are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the dish's delicious Mediterranean essence.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or roasted chickpeas, using vegetable broth to create a plant-based version of this Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Tzatziki Chicken Serving Tips

• Mediterranean Feast Plate: Create a vibrant spread by arranging the chicken tzatziki over a large platter with extra tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, and a colorful Greek salad on the side.
• Mezze-Style Dining: Serve individual portions with small dishes of olives, hummus, and additional cucumber slices to create a traditional Mediterranean shared meal experience.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped dill, mint, or parsley over the dish just before serving to add bright, fresh flavors and enhance the aromatic profile of the chicken tzatziki.
• Lemon Drizzle Finish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and rice just before serving to add a zesty brightness that complements the creamy tzatziki and cuts through the richness of the dish.

Storage Tips For Chicken Tzatziki Dish

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover chicken tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate rice and chicken to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Warm individual portions in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top to restore moisture. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness and revive flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap meal portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare rice and chicken mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store ingredients separately in sealed containers. Add fresh toppings like tomatoes and herbs right before serving to maintain crisp texture and vibrant taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients For Chicken Tzatziki Bake

• Long Grain White Rice: Provides a fluffy base that absorbs flavor and creates a hearty foundation for the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses rice with rich, savory depth and ensures perfectly cooked, moist grains.

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein centerpiece that absorbs Mediterranean-inspired herbs and spices.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances other seasonings.
• Garlic Powder: Adds robust, aromatic warmth without fresh garlic's intensity.
• Onion Powder: Delivers subtle sweet and savory undertones.
• Dried Oregano: Brings authentic Mediterranean herbal notes and earthy complexity.

• Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy, tangy Greek-style sauce that adds moisture and bright flavor to chicken.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh burst of sweetness and vibrant color.
• Cucumber: Crisp element that provides cool, refreshing contrast.
• Red Onion: Sharp, zingy accent that cuts through creamy elements.
• Feta Cheese: Salty, crumbly cheese that adds Mediterranean authenticity.
• Fresh Herbs: Adds bright, green freshness and aromatic complexity.
• Lemon Wedges: Provides zesty citrus punch to elevate overall dish.

Kitchen Gear For Tzatziki Chicken

• Baking Dish (9×13-inch): Perfect for creating a one-pan meal with even cooking.
• Aluminum Foil: Essential for covering the dish during initial baking to retain moisture.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Crucial for accurately portioning rice, broth, and seasonings.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Helps combine ingredients and spread tzatziki evenly.
• Cooking Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping garnishes like tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs.

Tasty Dump-And-Bake Chicken Tzatziki With Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki with rice brings Greek comfort to weeknight dinners. Quick preparation and minimal cleanup make this dish a delightful choice for busy home cooks who crave bold Mediterranean flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lb (1.5 pounds) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 cups (710 ml) chicken broth (or water)
• 1.5 cups (285 g) uncooked long-grain white rice (or basmati)
• ½ cup (120 ml) crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup (75 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ small cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup (40 g) red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh parsley or dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5 g) dried oregano
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) garlic powder
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) onion powder
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) dried oregano
• ¼ tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Base Creation: Blend uncooked rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano in the baking dish, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
3. Protein Placement: Arrange chicken breasts uniformly over the seasoned rice mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Moisture Layer: Spread tzatziki sauce comprehensively across the chicken, creating a rich and tangy protective coating.
5. Sealing and Initial Cooking: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and chicken to cook partially.
6. Final Baking: Uncover the dish and continue baking for 10 additional minutes until rice becomes fluffy and chicken reaches 165F (75C) internal temperature.
7. Resting and Finishing: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices, then garnish with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and fresh herbs.
8. Serving: Plate the dish warm, accompanied by lemon wedges to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Notes

• Prevent Rice Sticking: Stir rice mixture thoroughly and use cooking spray to ensure smooth, non-clumpy texture and easy serving.
• Control Moisture Levels: Cover dish tightly with foil during initial baking to trap steam, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, tender rice and juicy chicken.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165F for food safety without overcooking, maintaining optimal tenderness.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian version; use cauliflower rice for low-carb adaptation; select gluten-free broth for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg