Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a simple, flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, fragrant rice, and creamy homemade tzatziki. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal prep and delivers a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
2. Step 2: In the baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth or water, olive oil, minced garlic, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
3. Step 3: Arrange the chicken pieces evenly over the rice mixture.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice to create the tzatziki base.
5. Step 5: Pour the yogurt mixture evenly over the chicken and rice, spreading gently with the back of a spoon.
6. Step 6: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Step 7: Remove the foil, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top if using, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to slightly melt the cheese.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, let the dish rest for 5 minutes to blend the flavors, then serve warm with a crisp salad or warm pita bread.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, omit the feta and use a vegan yogurt alternative for the tzatziki base.
• Try adding chopped tomatoes or bell peppers to the rice mixture for extra color and flavor.
• Squeeze out excess moisture from the grated cucumber to keep the tzatziki creamy and avoid a watery bake.
• Use fresh herbs when possible for a brighter, fresher flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The rice may absorb more liquid when stored, so you can add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You might need to adjust the baking time and add extra broth accordingly.

What can I serve with this dish?

This chicken tzatziki casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

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This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice recipe is a simple, one-dish meal featuring tender chicken and fluffy rice baked together with classic Mediterranean herbs and a creamy tzatziki topping. The dish combines the flavors of Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon, and dill to create a satisfying and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Casserole:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

For the Tzatziki Base:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish to prevent sticking.
3. Mix Rice and Seasonings: In the baking dish, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth (or water), olive oil, minced garlic, dried dill, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute all the seasonings evenly.
4. Add Chicken: Arrange the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly over the rice mixture in the baking dish.
5. Make Tzatziki Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (excess water squeezed out), and lemon juice to create the tzatziki base.
6. Top the Casserole: Pour the yogurt and cucumber mixture evenly over the chicken and rice. Spread gently with the back of a spoon to cover the surface.
7. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Finish with Feta Cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top if using, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to slightly melt the cheese.
9. Garnish and Rest: Garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
10. Serve: Serve the chicken tzatziki casserole warm, accompanied by a crisp salad or warm pita bread for a complete meal.

Notes

• Ensure to squeeze out excess water from the grated cucumber to prevent a watery casserole.
• You can substitute water for chicken broth, but broth adds more flavor.
• Use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat over breast.
• Covering tightly with foil helps steam the rice and chicken evenly.
• Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
• Feta cheese is optional but adds a traditional Greek flavor and a creamy texture.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro brighten up the dish at the end.

Keywords: Chicken Tzatziki, Greek Chicken Casserole, One Dish Meal, Baked Chicken and Rice, Mediterranean Recipe, Healthy Chicken Dinner