If you’re craving a meal that feels fresh, comforting, and comes together with almost no fuss, then you’re going to love this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with flavorful rice subtly infused by chicken broth, all topped with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce that adds a bright, refreshing touch. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser and makes cooking feel joyful and simple rather than stressful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward but each plays a starring role in bringing vibrant flavor, satisfying texture, and a hint of Mediterranean charm to your dinner plate.
- Chicken breasts: the lean protein base that stays juicy and tender when baked with the rice.
- Long-grain white rice: perfect for absorbing the rich chicken broth and cooking up fluffy and separate.
- Chicken broth: it infuses the rice with deep savoriness, lifting every bite beyond ordinary.
- Tzatziki sauce: either store-bought or homemade, it brings an unmistakable creamy tang and cooling creaminess that balances the warm spices.
- Olive oil: adds a subtle fruity richness and helps brown the chicken slightly when drizzled before baking.
- Garlic powder: a quick way to inject gentle garlicky warmth without extra chopping.
- Salt and pepper: essential seasoning to bring out the best in every ingredient.
- Fresh parsley: chopped and sprinkled over the finished dish, it brightens the flavors and adds a pop of fresh green color.
How to Make Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well to ensure nothing sticks and cleanup stays simple. This simple step sets the stage for your chicken and rice to bake beautifully together.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts evenly in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and add some subtle flavor. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the chicken, giving each piece attention to boost flavor straight from the start.
Step 3: Mix Rice and Broth
In a separate bowl, combine the rice and chicken broth. Add another pinch of salt and pepper here to make sure the rice has plenty of seasoning as it cooks. This mixture will steam and absorb all those delicious juices mingling with the chicken.
Step 4: Add Rice Around Chicken
Pour the rice and broth mixture gently around the chicken breasts in the baking dish. The liquid will spread nicely, surrounding the chicken and ensuring both elements cook evenly and stay moist.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap moisture and bake for 35–40 minutes. You want the chicken to reach 165°F (74°C) ensuring it’s cooked through and safe, while the rice should be tender and fluffy. Keeping the foil on is the secret to that soft, infused rice texture.
Step 6: Top with Tzatziki and Parsley
Remove the foil and oven, then spoon a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each chicken breast. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous scent. This final flourish creates the classic cooling bite that makes this dish unforgettable.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm straight from the dish and get ready to savor layers of comforting textures and vibrant flavors. The Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe feels just right for any day you want simple but special.
How to Serve Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the fresh parsley, lemon wedges are fantastic for adding a zesty pop right at the table. For a bit more texture and color, a sprinkling of crumbled feta cheese or some sliced Kalamata olives can elevate the Mediterranean vibe, making this dish feel festive and fresh.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp garden salads, maybe a cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lemon and olive oil to echo the tzatziki. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers also complement the meal by adding sweetness and earthiness that contrast beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a bit fancy, serve the chicken sliced atop the rice with a drizzle of extra tzatziki, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers to impress your dinner guests. Alternatively, use small individual ramekins for single servings to make it feel more special and portion-friendly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It keeps well as the flavors meld even more, making leftovers possibly even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save this meal for later, freeze it right after baking and cooling completely. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep the tzatziki separate when freezing for best texture, adding it fresh when serving.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven to avoid drying out the chicken and rice. Add fresh tzatziki at serving time to restore that wonderful cool contrast that defines the dish.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice needs more cooking time and liquid, so you might need to increase the broth and bake a bit longer to ensure it’s fully tender.
Is homemade tzatziki better than store-bought?
Both options work wonderfully here! Homemade tzatziki adds a personal touch and allows you to adjust flavors, but good quality store-bought tzatziki can save time without sacrificing much on taste.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just check the internal temperature as thighs may cook faster or slower depending on size. They pair deliciously with this rice and tzatziki combo.
What if I don’t have garlic powder?
You can substitute with fresh minced garlic (about 1-2 cloves) or garlic salt, but adjust the seasoning accordingly since garlic salt contains salt. It will still bring that lovely garlicky note to the dish.
Can I prepare this recipe without a baking dish?
A baking dish with sides works best to contain the rice and liquid as it cooks, but a deep oven-safe skillet or casserole dish can also work well as long as the liquid doesn’t evaporate too quickly.
Final Thoughts
This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe is truly one of those simple yet stunning dinners that feel effortlessly satisfying and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking to add a little Mediterranean sunshine to your weeknight meals, this is the one to try. You’ll fall in love with how it balances ease, flavor, and that bright tzatziki finish every time you make it.
Print
Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts baked alongside aromatic long-grain rice, all topped with creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe requires minimal prep and delivers a delicious, wholesome Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste (additional)
Toppings
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the greased dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavors.
- Mix the Rice: In a separate bowl, combine the long-grain white rice with the chicken broth. Add additional salt and pepper to this mixture according to taste, ensuring the rice is well-seasoned.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour the seasoned rice mixture evenly around the chicken breasts in the baking dish, making sure the rice is submerged in the broth for proper cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender.
- Add Tzatziki and Garnish: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Spoon the creamy tzatziki sauce evenly over each chicken breast and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and rice warm, allowing the tangy tzatziki to complement the savory baked chicken for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Feel free to use homemade tzatziki for a fresher taste or a store-bought version for convenience.
- For a healthier twist, substitute white rice with brown rice but increase the baking time accordingly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and a mild herbal flavor.
