Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a flavorful, no-fuss dish that combines tender chicken with aromatic rice and a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — everything is tossed together in one pan and baked to perfection, resulting in a hassle-free meal that’s both delicious and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a Mediterranean-inspired dish that will please the whole family.

Ingredients

this Recipe

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large baking dish, drizzle olive oil on the bottom. Add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender (internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F).
5. Remove the foil and spread the tzatziki sauce over the cooked chicken breasts. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the sauce is warm and slightly golden.
6. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 45-55 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes to the rice mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
• For a spicier version, drizzle some hot sauce over the chicken before baking.
• Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different texture and flavor.
• Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

Can I make this dish without tzatziki sauce?
While the tzatziki sauce adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or a garlic and herb sauce for a similar creamy texture.

What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe. You can also use basmati rice for added flavor.

Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice and chicken mixture ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a stress-free, flavorful meal that brings together tender chicken, aromatic rice, and a creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a quick and healthy dinner without much cleanup. The fresh, Mediterranean flavors make it a standout, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family!

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