Description
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a effortless, one-pan Mediterranean-inspired dinner that combines tender chicken cooked atop fluffy rice, all baked together and topped with a creamy, tangy homemade tzatziki sauce. This recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights while delivering fresh, vibrant flavors with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (or basmati rice for a fragrant twist)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, finely diced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish (9×13-inch) or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Rice and Chicken: In the prepared baking dish, spread the uncooked rice in an even layer. Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) on top of the rice evenly.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dill, salt, pepper, and cumin if using. Stir until the sauce is well mixed and creamy.
- Assemble the Dish: Spoon the tzatziki sauce generously over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Pour the chicken broth (or water with bouillon) carefully around the rice in the baking dish, avoiding pouring it directly over the chicken to keep the sauce intact.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). To achieve a lightly browned top, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with extra fresh dill or parsley for added aroma and color. Optionally, add crumbled feta cheese over the top to enhance richness.
- Serve: Serve the chicken breast with the fluffy rice, drizzling any extra tzatziki sauce from the pan over the plate. Enjoy your flavorful, fuss-free Mediterranean meal!
Notes
- Use brown rice or other grains by adjusting liquid quantity and baking time accordingly.
- Add chopped veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes around the chicken for a complete one-pan meal.
- Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders can be substituted but may require adjusted cooking times.
- For extra tang, add more lemon juice or a small splash of vinegar to the tzatziki sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat well for meal prepping.
