This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a fun and simple meal you’ll love! Just toss in chicken, rice, and a zesty tzatziki sauce for a dish that’s full of flavor.
Who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? It saves time on cleanup! I enjoy this dish with a side salad for a tasty, easy dinner any day of the week. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine is perfect for its fluffy texture. If you don’t have these, you can use brown rice, but note that the cooking time will change.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with. Chicken thighs can be a flavorful substitute—just adjust cooking times as they’re often more tender.
Spices: Turmeric and cumin add warmth and depth. If you don’t have turmeric, saffron or curry powder could work instead. Adjust the cumin based on your taste preference.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is great for keeping the dish light. You can easily swap it for vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Tzatziki Sauce: Greek yogurt gives a creamy texture. Substitute with plain yogurt if you’re in a pinch, but it won’t be as thick. Coconut yogurt is a good dairy-free alternative!
How Do I Get the Rice to Cook Perfectly?
The key to perfect rice in a baked dish is not to stir after adding the broth. This helps each grain cook evenly and absorb all those wonderful flavors. Here’s how to ensure it turns out great:
- Preheat your oven to ensure even cooking up front.
- Combine everything well prior to baking, then just pour the broth on without mixing.
- Cover tightly with a lid or foil to trap steam, allowing the rice to cook fully in that moisture.
- After baking, let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork—this helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid.
Follow these tips and your rice will be fluffy and delicious every time! Enjoy your meal!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Dish Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano or fresh chopped oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40-45 minutes to bake. With minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to cook your delicious dish right away!
2. Mix the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken pieces, thinly sliced onion, minced garlic, ground turmeric, ground cumin, oregano, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), and cayenne pepper (if you like some heat). Add the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are well coated.
3. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer your chicken and rice mixture into a large baking dish. If you have a lid for the dish, use it; otherwise, tightly cover it with aluminum foil. This will keep moisture in while it bakes.
4. Add Broth:
Pour the low-sodium chicken broth evenly over the rice and chicken mixture. It’s important not to stir it at this point—just let it soak down into the rice as it cooks.
5. Bake:
Place the covered dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Check to make sure the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. You can check the chicken with a meat thermometer (it should reach at least 165°F / 74°C).
6. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the dish bakes, you can make the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!
7. Fluff and Serve:
When the baking time is up, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and add any additional salt or pepper if needed.
8. Top and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken and rice hot, topped with generous dollops of your homemade tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy this straightforward, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner!
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. Increase the baking time to about 55-60 minutes, adding a bit more broth if necessary, as brown rice absorbs more liquid.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
This recipe is inherently gluten-free as it uses rice and does not contain any wheat products. Just be sure to use gluten-free chicken broth and check your spices to ensure they haven’t been contaminated with gluten.
What Should I Do If I Have Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist if necessary.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes! You can freeze the chicken and rice mixture before baking. Cover it tightly in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as instructed. This makes for an easy meal prep option!
