This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice recipe is a breeze! You just mix everything in one dish and then pop it in the oven. Delicious flavor without the fuss!
It’s super tasty, thanks to the creamy tzatziki sauce that makes the chicken so juicy. I love how little cleanup there is—more time to enjoy my dinner and less time washing dishes! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: I recommend using long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for fluffy grains. If you don’t have those, you can use regular white rice or even quinoa for a healthier twist!
Chicken: Chicken breast is a great choice here, but thighs can add more flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using turkey breast instead.
Seasonings: The mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and turmeric really brings out great flavors. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika with a bit of cayenne works too for some kick!
Tzatziki sauce: Greek yogurt is perfect for creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, consider coconut yogurt or a nut-based yogurt as a substitute. Fresh dill brightens the sauce, but dried works in a pinch.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken and Rice Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken and rice together can be tricky, but here’s how to nail it:
- Start with even cuts of chicken so they cook evenly. Bite-sized pieces are best!
- Cover the dish with foil tightly when baking. This traps steam and moisture, helping both the rice and chicken cook perfectly.
- Fluff the rice after removing the foil to let the steam escape, which prevents it from getting mushy.
- Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken and Rice:
- 1 ½ cups long grain rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- Juice of half a lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, finely grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Estimated Time:
This delightful dish will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, and it will need about 40 to 45 minutes to bake in the oven. So, in about an hour, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot for our delicious chicken and rice!
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
In a large baking dish (around 9×13 inches), combine the long grain rice, chicken broth, and diced yellow onion. Stir it together to distribute the onion evenly.
3. Season the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, throw in the cut chicken pieces. Add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the seasoning mix.
4. Layer It Up:
Now, take the seasoned chicken and spread it evenly over the rice mixture in the baking dish. This will allow all those great flavors to meld during cooking!
5. Add Lemon Juice:
To brighten up the dish, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the mixture. This adds a lovely fresh zing!
6. Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While everything is baking, let’s whip up the tzatziki sauce! In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and pop it in the fridge to chill until you’re ready to serve.
8. Fluff and Serve:
When the timer goes off, remove the foil and gently fluff the rice and chicken with a fork. This helps to mix everything without making it mushy.
9. Plate It Up:
Serve the warm chicken tzatziki rice on plates, topping it off with dollops of tzatziki sauce, some lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that extra pop of color and flavor!
10. Optional Sides:
If you’d like, serve your meal with warm pita bread and a fresh vegetable salad to create a complete meal that everyone will love!
Enjoy your effortless and flavorful one-pan chicken tzatziki rice! Happy cooking! 🍽️
FAQ about 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. You’ll also need to increase the chicken broth to about 3 cups and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to moisten the rice.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything in the baking dish a few hours in advance and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt in the Tzatziki Sauce?
If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt or a plant-based yogurt that’s thick and unsweetened. You can also use sour cream for a similar creamy texture if you’re not avoiding dairy.
Feel free to ask if you have more questions or need further assistance! Happy cooking!
