Zesty Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

Mediterranean kitchens inspire incredible dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki with rice that simplifies weeknight dinners.

Cool cucumber and tangy yogurt blend perfectly with tender chicken pieces.

Weeknight meals demand smart solutions for busy families.

Simple ingredients come together without complicated preparation steps.

Quick cooking techniques keep stress levels low while delivering maximum flavor.

Creamy tzatziki sauce adds bright Mediterranean notes to classic protein and grain combinations.

You might just discover a new favorite dinner strategy that impresses everyone around the table.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Overview

• Effortlessly combine ingredients in one dish, minimizing kitchen cleanup and reducing total cooking time.
• Perfect for beginners or busy home cooks, this recipe demands no complex techniques and delivers delicious results with straightforward steps.
• Enjoy authentic Greek-inspired tzatziki and herb-infused chicken without spending hours in the kitchen, bringing restaurant-quality taste directly to your dining table.
• Packed with nutritious ingredients and customizable toppings that appeal to both adults and children, making mealtime enjoyable and stress-free.

What Goes in Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main dish, best when fresh and boneless.
• White Rice: Fluffy base that absorbs flavors and provides hearty texture, long-grain works perfectly.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances rice flavor, low-sodium preferred for better control.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy Greek yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and herbs, provides tangy freshness.

• Salt: Fundamental flavor enhancer for the entire dish.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic profile without fresh garlic chunks.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle savory background note.
• Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that complements chicken and tzatziki.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh, sweet burst of color and flavor.
• Cucumber: Crisp vegetable that echoes tzatziki ingredients.
• Red Onion: Sharp, zesty addition for extra crunch.
• Feta Cheese: Salty, crumbly Greek cheese that adds richness.
• Fresh Herbs: Bright, aromatic finishing touch.
• Lemon Wedges: Citrusy brightness to elevate overall taste.

Instructions for Chicken Tzatziki Bake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat with cooking spray. Warm up the oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Create Rice Base

• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried oregano

Mix everything until well combined.

Step 3: Nestle Chicken

Gently place chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, allowing them to slightly sink into the liquid.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

Spread a generous layer of creamy tzatziki sauce directly over the chicken, covering each piece completely.

Step 5: First Baking Phase

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 35 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Final Baking Touch

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the rice looks fluffy and the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Chopped cucumber
• Diced red onion
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Freshly chopped herbs

Step 8: Serve with Zest

Plate the chicken and rice, accompanied by lemon wedges for an extra burst of brightness. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired meal straight from the oven!

Tips for an Effortless Tzatziki Chicken Dish

• Quick Rice Prep: Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and even cooking throughout the dish.
• Chicken Moisture Trick: Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry meat.
• Tzatziki Selection Tip: Choose a high-quality, thick Greek-style tzatziki sauce to prevent watery rice and maintain rich Mediterranean flavors.
• Low-Sodium Option: Replace regular chicken broth with low-sodium broth to control salt intake without compromising taste.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly.

How to Save and Reheat Chicken Tzatziki

• Store remaining chicken tzatziki and rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping food safe and fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Transfer leftovers to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture, warm at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
• Gently stir tzatziki sauce while reheating to maintain its creamy texture and prevent ingredients from separating.

What Pairs Well with This Tzatziki Bake

• Pour a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy tzatziki and zesty lemon notes.
• Toss a traditional Greek salad with olive oil, oregano, and kalamata olives to echo the Mediterranean flavors of the chicken dish.
• Serve a light cucumber yogurt raita on the side to enhance the creamy tzatziki and provide a cooling contrast to the baked chicken.
• Warm some pita or naan brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with za'atar to scoop up extra sauce and add textural interest.

Chicken Tzatziki With a Twist

Mediterranean Quinoa Swap: Replace rice with protein-packed quinoa for a gluten-free, nutrient-dense alternative that cooks in the same method.

Vegetarian Greek Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, maintaining the tzatziki and Mediterranean seasoning profile for a plant-based version.

Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrates and create a lighter, keto-friendly meal that absorbs the same delicious flavors.

Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace tzatziki with dairy-free yogurt alternative or cashew cream sauce, keeping the herbal and tangy elements while accommodating lactose-intolerant dietary needs.

Common Questions About Tzatziki Chicken

• What is tzatziki sauce?

A creamy Greek yogurt-based sauce made with cucumber, garlic, dill, and olive oil. It’s tangy, refreshing, and adds a cool flavor to the chicken dish.

• Can I use different types of rice?

Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice or basmati rice. Just adjust cooking liquid and time accordingly to ensure proper rice texture.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices running clear.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth and tzatziki sauce are certified gluten-free if you have specific dietary restrictions.

Dump-And-Bake Chicken Tzatziki With Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty Mediterranean dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki with rice promises a flavor explosion of Greek-inspired comfort. Minimal prep meets maximum taste, delivering a simple yet sophisticated meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Sauce:

• 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Rice and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice (or basmati)
• 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Preparation and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ small cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Create a flavorful foundation by combining rice, chicken broth, and aromatic seasonings directly in a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring thorough mixing for even flavor distribution.
2. Gently place chicken breasts atop the seasoned rice mixture, allowing them to nestle comfortably into the liquid base.
3. Generously spread tzatziki sauce across the chicken, creating a creamy, tangy layer that will infuse moisture and Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
4. Seal the baking dish completely with aluminum foil, trapping steam and heat to promote even cooking and tender rice.
5. Roast in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 35 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb liquid and the chicken to begin cooking.
6. Uncover the dish and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, enabling the chicken to develop a light golden surface and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute juices and complete the cooking process.
8. Enhance the visual appeal and add fresh texture by artfully scattering cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh herbs across the surface.
9. Serve immediately with zesty lemon wedges, offering guests a bright, citrusy accent to complement the rich, creamy tzatziki and tender chicken.

Notes

• Choose quick-cooking rice like basmati or jasmine to ensure perfect texture without becoming mushy during baking.
• Swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful protein option that stays juicy throughout cooking.
• Customize tzatziki sauce by using Greek yogurt with different fat percentages or making a dairy-free version with coconut yogurt for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Enhance meal’s nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like roasted zucchini or bell peppers directly into the rice mixture for a one-pan dinner solution.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg