This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe is a total winner! You just toss everything in one dish, and let the oven work its magic. Chicken, rice, and a tasty tzatziki sauce come together for a simple meal.
I love how hassle-free this dish is. Just mix, bake, and you’re done! Perfect for busy days when you want something yummy without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, leftovers are always a treat! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook evenly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for an alternative, you could use thighs for a richer flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Rice: Long grain white rice works great here; however, brown rice can be used for a healthier option, though it will require a longer cooking time. Instant rice is a quick substitute but will alter the cooking times.
Tzatziki Sauce: Store-bought saves time, but homemade is fresh and customizable! If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt mixed with cucumber, lemon juice, and herbs can do the trick.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness, but you can swap it for shallots or even garlic for a different flavor twist. If onion isn’t your thing, skip it altogether!
Garlic: Fresh is best, but garlic powder can work too. Just use about 1 teaspoon of powder if you’re in a pinch.
How Do You Ensure the Rice is Fully Cooked?
Cooking rice in a bake is slightly different from boiling it on the stove. Keep these tips in mind for perfect results:
- Measure the broth accurately. Too little may leave the rice undercooked.
- Don’t stir the rice after you add the broth. This keeps the texture fluffy.
- Cover tightly with foil to trap steam, which helps cook the rice evenly.
Checking the rice after the recommended time is key. If it’s still firm, cover it back up and give it a few more minutes in the oven!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water with chicken bouillon)
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 55-60 minutes in the oven for a total time of about 1 hour and 10 minutes. It’s super easy and requires very little hands-on time, making it perfect for a busy evening.
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 cook evenly throughout.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Take your 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom. This will act as the base for your one-pan meal.
3. Add Onions and Garlic:
Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over the rice. The flavors of the onion and garlic will infuse into the rice while it bakes, making it even more delicious.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Now, pour the chicken broth evenly over the rice and onions. Make sure not to stir it—trust the process!
5. Drizzle Olive Oil:
Drizzle the olive oil over the rice mixture; this adds a nice richness to the dish.
6. Season the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried dill on all sides. This will give them tons of flavor.
7. Place Chicken in Dish:
Lay the seasoned chicken breasts right on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish. It’s looking good already!
8. Add Tzatziki Sauce:
Dollop the tzatziki sauce evenly over each chicken breast. If you’d like, you can also stir some into the rice for extra flavor.
9. Cover it Up:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to trap moisture and ensures everything cooks perfectly.
10. Bake:
Put the dish into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the rice is nice and tender.
11. Brown the Chicken:
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes uncovered. This will lightly brown the chicken and thicken the rice. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
12. Let it Rest:
Take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zing. Enjoy your easy one-pan chicken tzatziki rice dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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 takes longer to cook, so increase the baking time to about 60-70 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make the recipe gluten-free, ensure that your chicken broth is labeled as gluten-free. Additionally, check the tzatziki sauce for any gluten-containing ingredients or opt for a homemade version using gluten-free yogurt.
Can I Store Leftovers? How Long Do They Last?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This dish is quite filling on its own, but if you want to add sides, consider serving it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Pita bread or roasted potatoes can also complement the flavors nicely!
