This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a simple and tasty dish that comes together in no time! Just mix chicken, rice, and a creamy tzatziki sauce for a comforting meal.
I love how there’s no need for fancy steps here—just dump everything in and let the oven do the work! Perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something easy and delicious. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Basmati rice offers a lovely flavor and texture. You could also use long-grain white rice, jasmine rice, or even brown rice if you’re looking for whole grain options, though cooking times may vary.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great, but chicken thighs are a juicy alternative. If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken can be used—just add it in the last 10 minutes to heat through.
Onion and Garlic: The onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re short on time, onion powder can substitute, but fresh is always best. For garlic, feel free to use garlic powder—about 1 teaspoon as a substitute for the fresh cloves.
Tzatziki Sauce: Greek yogurt is key for creaminess. If you need a dairy-free version, try coconut yogurt or a cashew-based yogurt. Keep the cucumber for freshness, or add a bit of chopped radish for a twist.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy and the Rice is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice takes a few simple tricks. First, make sure to cover the baking dish tightly with foil. This traps steam, helping the rice cook evenly and preventing the chicken from drying out.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth for added flavor without too much salt.
- Give the rice a good stir when mixing to ensure even distribution of spices and flavor.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking before fluffing the rice; this helps it absorb any remaining liquid.
Following these tips will give you a delicious meal every time! Enjoy your homemade Chicken Tzatziki Rice!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients:
- For the Rice and Chicken:
- 1 1/2 cups basmati or long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano or 1 tbsp fresh oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Estimate:
This dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to bake, totaling around 50 minutes from start to finish. The tzatziki sauce takes just a few minutes to whip up while the chicken and rice are baking!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking.
2. Combine Ingredients for Baking:
In a large mixing bowl or an oven-safe baking dish, mix together the rice, chicken broth (or water), olive oil, turmeric, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.
3. Add Chicken and Veggies:
Next, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and chicken pieces to the rice mixture. Mix gently to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
4. Bake the Dish:
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is nice and tender.
5. Prepare Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken and rice are baking, you can whip up the tzatziki sauce! In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out any excess water), lemon juice, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
6. Fluff and Garnish:
Once the baking time is up, carefully take out the dish from the oven and fluff the rice with a fork. This will make everything light and fluffy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your delicious chicken and rice with fresh parsley or cilantro and a few lemon wedges on the side. Serve the warm dish topped with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Enjoy your easy, flavorful meal!
This recipe is perfect for a busy night—it’s a comforting one-dish meal that everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires about 50-60 minutes of baking. Make sure to increase the liquid by about 1/4 cup to ensure it cooks properly.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No problem! If you’re missing some spices like smoked paprika or oregano, feel free to skip them or substitute with similar spices you have on hand. For example, Italian seasoning can work in place of oregano; just adjust the amount to taste.
Can This Dish Be Made Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for additional flavor and nutrition!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth if the rice seems dry. Enjoy the convenient meal again!
