Name: Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 ½ 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; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice (or basmati); 3 cups chicken broth (or water); ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ small cucumber, diced; ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped; Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Short Description

Dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki with rice is a simple, flavorful, and hands-off meal featuring juicy chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, and fluffy rice baked together in one dish. This easy Mediterranean-inspired recipe is perfect for a stress-free weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan meal – Minimal prep and easy cleanup.
Packed with Mediterranean flavors – Creamy tzatziki, garlic, and herbs.
Healthy and balanced – High in protein and fiber.
Hands-off cooking – No stovetop required.
Perfect for meal prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken & Rice:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Long-grain white rice (or brown rice, with adjusted cooking time)
Chicken broth (or water)
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Dried oregano
Salt and pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

Greek yogurt
Cucumber (grated and squeezed dry)
Garlic (minced)
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Dill (fresh or dried)
Salt and pepper

Optional Toppings:

Cherry tomatoes (halved)
Feta cheese (crumbled)
Kalamata olives
Fresh parsley

Directions

Preheat oven – Set to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare the rice – In the baking dish, mix uncooked rice, chicken broth, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken – Place chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture and season with additional salt, pepper, and oregano.
Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the rice is tender.
Make the tzatziki sauce – While the chicken bakes, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Finish the dish – Remove the baking dish from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then spoon tzatziki over the chicken.
Garnish and serve – Top with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Spicy version – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Low-carb option – Use cauliflower rice and reduce the broth.
Extra creamy – Mix a little tzatziki into the rice before baking.
Protein swap – Use shrimp, tofu, or turkey instead of chicken.
Vegan alternative – Use chickpeas instead of chicken and dairy-free yogurt for tzatziki.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze without the tzatziki for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

Yes! It’s a great shortcut if you’re short on time.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes and add extra broth.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Cover with foil while baking and avoid overcooking.

What should I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with a Greek salad, roasted veggies, or pita bread.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki.

Do I need to rinse the rice before baking?

Yes, rinsing removes excess starch and prevents mushy rice.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! They’ll stay juicier and add more flavor.

Can I add vegetables to the bake?

Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach work well.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure all packaged ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?

Yes! Marinate in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki with rice is a delicious, effortless meal that combines juicy chicken, creamy tzatziki, and flavorful rice in one dish. Perfect for a busy weeknight or meal prep, this easy Mediterranean-inspired recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Try it today!