This Mediterranean-inspired dinner recipe is the perfect balance of tender chicken, fragrant rice, and creamy tzatziki sauce, all baked together in a single pan. It’s a wholesome, protein-packed meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: No pre-cooking or complicated steps—just assemble and bake!
- One-Pan Wonder: Less mess means less stress at cleanup time.
- Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with lean protein, fresh herbs, and Mediterranean spices.
- Customizable: Adapt it easily to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth or water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried dill (or 2 tsp fresh dill, chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
1. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
- Grate and Drain: Grate the cucumber, then wrap it in a clean towel to squeeze out the excess moisture.
- Mix: Combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Chill: Cover the sauce and refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Assemble the Casserole
- Grease the Dish: Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Layer the Rice: Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Add the Broth: Pour chicken broth over the rice.
- Top with Chicken: Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer on top of the rice.
3. Season the Chicken
- Mix Seasonings: Combine olive oil, oregano, cumin, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Coat Chicken: Drizzle the mixture over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
4. Bake the Casserole
- Bake Covered: Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes.
- Check and Finish: Remove the foil and check if the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). If needed, bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Optional Toppings: Sprinkle with feta cheese, sliced olives, or red onions.
- Add Tzatziki: Serve the chilled tzatziki sauce over the casserole or on the side.
- Garnish: Finish with fresh parsley or cilantro for extra color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Greek Salad: A fresh salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives pairs perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant.
- Warm Pita Bread: Great for scooping up the creamy tzatziki and rice.
Tips for Success
- Rice Choice: Long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine ensures even cooking.
- Drain Cucumber Well: Prevent watery tzatziki by squeezing out as much moisture as possible.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld.
- Monitor Liquid: If the rice appears dry during baking, add a splash of broth.
Variations
- Protein Swaps: Substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or roasted vegetables, and use vegetable broth.
- Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice (adjust baking time).
- Add Veggies: Include cherry tomatoes, spinach, or artichoke hearts for extra nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the broth and extend the baking time by 15–20 minutes.
2. What if I don’t have tzatziki ingredients?
Store-bought tzatziki works well, or mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic powder, and dried dill for a quick fix.
3. Can this dish be dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free yogurt and skip the feta cheese.
4. How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Grease the baking dish well and ensure the broth completely covers the rice before baking.
Conclusion
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is an effortless yet flavorful dinner recipe that captures the vibrant essence of Mediterranean cuisine. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Ideal for weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Enjoy your new favorite dinner recipe!