Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a flavorful, easy one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, and fluffy, seasoned rice. With minimal prep and no stovetop cooking, this dish is perfect for a quick, healthy dinner!
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Rice:
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice or basmati
- 3 cups chicken broth or water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
For Topping & Garnish:
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 small cucumber diced
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Preheat & Prepare the Dish
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Assemble the Ingredients
- In the baking dish, mix rice, chicken broth, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Stir to combine.
- Nestle the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
- Spread tzatziki sauce evenly over the chicken.
Bake the Dish
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/75°C).
Add Fresh Toppings & Serve
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and fresh herbs.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges for extra freshness.
Notes
- Brown Rice Option: Use 2 cups brown rice and increase broth to 4 cups. Bake for 50-55 minutes.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap rice for cauliflower rice and reduce broth to 1 cup.
- Extra Flavor: Add ½ tsp cumin or smoked paprika to the rice for a Mediterranean twist.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.