This simple dish gives you juicy chicken baked with a zesty tzatziki rice. Just mix everything together and let the oven do the work—who doesn’t love an easy cleanup?
I enjoy serving it with fresh veggies on the side. Plus, it’s a hit at family dinners! You’ll be back for seconds, trust me! 🍚🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for a quick cook. If you’re looking for a substitution, thighs can work well for more flavor and tenderness, just adjust your cooking time.
Long-Grain White Rice: This rice cooks nicely in the oven. If you prefer, swap it with basmati or jasmine rice for a different aroma. Just be aware of the water ratio as each rice type absorbs it differently!
Greek Yogurt: Essential for tzatziki, Greek yogurt gives that creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut yogurt as a substitute—just look for unsweetened varieties.
Cucumber: A must for tzatziki! If you can’t find fresh cucumber, you could use grated zucchini. Just make sure to squeeze out excess water before mixing.
Fresh Herbs: Dill and parsley bring freshness to the tzatziki. If fresh herbs aren’t available, use dried ones to taste, but fresh truly shines in this dish!
How Do You Achieve Deliciously Tender Chicken?
To ensure your chicken is tender, it’s important to cover the baking dish with foil for most of the cooking time. This traps moisture and prevents the chicken from drying out. Here’s my advice:
- Start with a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) to engage even cooking.
- Cover tightly for 40 minutes; this will help the chicken cook in its juices.
- After removing the foil, keep an eye on it for the last 10 minutes. You want that beautiful golden color!
Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; you’re aiming for 165°F (74°C). Happy cooking!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll pop it in the oven for around 50 minutes. So in total, you’ll be enjoying your meal in about an hour! You get to spend just a little time prepping, and the oven does the rest!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken and rice will cook evenly and get that perfect roast.
2. Mix the Rice Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the rinsed rice, chicken broth, 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until well combined.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Pour the rice mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This is where all the magic happens!
4. Add the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with a bit of salt and pepper on both sides. Place them on top of the rice mixture. No need to worry about them being submerged; they’ll cook beautifully sitting right on top!
5. Drizzle and Cover:
Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken. Next, tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture while it bakes.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through (165°F or 74°C) and the rice to be tender.
7. Make the Tzatziki:
While the chicken and rice are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt with the diced cucumber, chopped dill, parsley (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is nicely combined.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is done baking, serve the juicy chicken on a bed of delicious rice, topped with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Finish it off with lemon wedges for that extra zing!
Enjoy your easy, delicious dump-and-bake chicken with refreshing tzatziki rice! Get ready for a new family favorite! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it requires a longer cooking time and additional liquid. If using brown rice, increase the chicken broth to about 2 cups and extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can use regular plain yogurt or sour cream as a substitute. For a dairy-free option, try using almond or coconut yogurt—just ensure it’s unsweetened!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes! You can freeze the prepared dish before baking. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed. It may take a bit longer to cook if it’s still slightly cold when going into the oven.
These simple tips will help you enjoy your Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice to the fullest!
