Amazing 1-Dish Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

Okay, friends, let s talk about those crazy weeknights. You know the ones. You walk in the door, everyone s hungry, and the last thing you want to do is spend an hour standing over the stove. That s exactly why I fell in love with this . It s one of those magical meals that practically cooks itself.

Seriously, you just dump everything into one dish, pop it in the oven, and poof! Dinner is ready. No fuss, no multiple pans to wash, just pure, simple goodness. It reminds me of the kind of easy, comforting food my grandmother used to make. She always said the best meals were the ones that brought people together without a lot of stress. This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice definitely fits the bill.

It s creamy, flavorful, and has all those wonderful Mediterranean-inspired tastes we love. The chicken stays tender, the rice cooks up perfectly, and that hint of lemon and dill from the tzatziki-style sauce just sings. It s become a go-to in our house for those nights when we need something delicious and easy, fast.

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

There are so many reasons this easy chicken and rice dish has become a family favorite. It really takes the stress out of getting dinner on the table.

• Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one dish! That means fewer pots and pans to wash later. Big win in my book.
• Simple Steps: You literally just dump and bake. No complicated techniques here, promise.
• Flavorful Result: The chicken stays super moist, and that creamy sauce is pure magic with the rice.
• Complete Meal: You get your protein, your carb, and delicious flavor all in one easy pan. Dinner is served!

Ingredients for Your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this simple meal. You probably have most of these things in your pantry and fridge already!

• About 1 and a half pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. I like to cut mine into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 cup of uncooked white rice. Just regular white rice works perfectly here.
• 2 cups of chicken broth. This is what helps cook the rice and makes the sauce creamy.
• Half a cup of plain . Make sure it s plain!
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. A little zing goes a long way.
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Just a touch for flavor.
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced up nice and fine.
• Half a teaspoon of dried oregano.
• A quarter teaspoon of dried dill.
• Salt and black pepper to taste. Don t be shy here!
• Optional: A quarter cup of chopped fresh cucumber for garnish.
• Optional: 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish too.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Want to switch things up a bit? No problem! If you prefer brown rice, you can use it, but you might need a little more liquid and a longer baking time. Just check the package directions. Feel free to play with the amount of garlic and herbs to suit your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice little kick if you like heat. The cucumber and fresh herbs at the end really brighten things up, but they re totally optional.

Equipment You ll Need

You won t need a ton of fancy gadgets for this recipe. Just a few basics from your kitchen should do the trick!

• A 9×13 inch baking dish. This is where all the magic happens.
• A mixing bowl. For whisking up that creamy sauce.
• A whisk. To get the sauce nice and smooth.
• Measuring cups and spoons. To make sure you get the right amounts.

How to Prepare Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

Ready to get cooking? It s really so simple, you won t believe it. Just follow these easy steps.

1. First, fire up your oven! Preheat it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. That s 190 degrees Celsius.
2. Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour in the uncooked rice and the chicken broth. Give it a quick stir so the rice is spread out evenly on the bottom.
3. Now, in a separate medium bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried dill. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toss your chicken pieces right into that yummy yogurt mixture. Make sure every piece gets coated nicely.
5. Spoon all that coated chicken and the sauce over the rice and broth in your baking dish. Spread it out so it s in a single layer.
6. Cover the baking dish up tight with foil. You want to make sure it s sealed well to steam the rice.
7. Pop it in the preheated oven. Bake it for about 30 to 35 minutes. You ll know it s done when the rice is cooked through and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Carefully take the foil off. Let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes before you serve it. This helps the flavors meld and the rice soak up any extra liquid.
9. If you like, sprinkle on some chopped cucumber or fresh herbs before digging in. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

Getting this dish just right is easy, but a few little tips can make it even better. Make sure you re using white rice for the timing in the recipe. If you use brown rice, it will take longer. Always check that your chicken is cooked all the way through; it should read 165 °F on a meat thermometer. Letting it rest after baking is key! It lets the rice finish cooking and makes the flavors really pop.

Variations on Your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to change things up! You could toss in some chopped bell peppers or zucchini with the rice before baking. They ll cook right alongside everything else. Try using different herbs like fresh mint or parsley mixed into the yogurt sauce. Or, if you re not feeling chicken, you could even try this with firm white fish fillets or pork tenderloin pieces, just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

I get asked a few things about this easy dump-and-bake meal. Here are some common questions and my answers!

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine. Just make sure they are cut into similar bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the rice.

How do I know if the chicken is cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of a piece of chicken. It should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) when it s done.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I think it s best made fresh, but you could prep the chicken and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then, just add the rice and broth to the dish right before baking.

How do I store leftovers?

Let any leftovers cool completely. Then, pack them into an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Serving and Storage for Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

This dump-and-bake chicken dish is a complete meal on its own, thanks to the chicken and rice all in one pan. But if you want to round things out, a simple green salad or some steamed green beans would be lovely on the side. For storing leftovers, just let everything cool down completely first. Pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It should be good for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, I like to put it back in a covered dish in the oven or microwave it until it s heated through.

Estimated Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Please note that providing exact nutritional information for homemade recipes can be tricky! Things like the specific brands of ingredients you use, how much salt you add, and even the size of your chicken pieces can change the final numbers. Because of this, we don t provide precise nutritional values for this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice. Think of this recipe as a guide, and know that the actual nutrition will vary.

Share Your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Experience

Well, there you have it! My go-to . I really hope you give this recipe a try. If you do, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know how it turned out for you! Did you add any fun variations? Don t forget to rate the recipe too. And if you snap a picture, I d love to see it! Tag us on social media so we can celebrate your cooking success.