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
Scale
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.
