Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

Bring the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine to your dinner table with this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice! This effortless, one-pan meal combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce for a wholesome and delicious dish that requires minimal prep. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Mediterranean-inspired casserole is packed with protein, fresh herbs, and refreshing yogurt, making it a satisfying and nourishing option for the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Effortless Preparation: No need for pre-cooking—just mix, bake, and serve!
✔ One-Dish Wonder: Fewer dishes mean an easier cleanup.
✔ Nutrient-Rich: Packed with lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats.
✔ Customizable: Easily adaptable to dietary preferences and available ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

Grate the Cucumber: Use a fine grater, then squeeze out excess water with a kitchen towel.
Mix Ingredients: Combine grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, mint (optional), salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well.
Chill: Refrigerate until ready to serve to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

Prep the Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Layer the Ingredients: Spread uncooked rice evenly, then pour chicken broth over it.
Arrange Chicken: Place bite-sized chicken pieces on top of the rice.

Step 3: Season the Chicken and Rice

Make the Seasoning: Mix olive oil, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Chicken: Drizzle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and spread evenly.

Step 4: Bake

Cover and Bake: Tightly cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes.
Check and Finish: Remove foil, check if rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). If needed, bake uncovered for 5–10 more minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish: Sprinkle with crumbled feta, sliced olives, and red onions (optional).
Serve with Tzatziki: Spoon the chilled tzatziki sauce over the casserole or serve on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serving Suggestions

🍽 Pair With: A Greek salad, roasted veggies, or warm pita bread.
🍷 Drink Idea: Chilled white wine, lemon-infused sparkling water, or iced tea.
🌶 Extra Kick: Add a drizzle of olive oil and red pepper flakes.

Tips for Success

✔ Use Long-Grain Rice: Basmati or jasmine rice prevents mushiness.
✔ Drain the Cucumber: Ensures a thick and creamy tzatziki.
✔ Rest Before Serving: Let sit for 5 minutes for best flavor absorption.
✔ Adjust Liquid Levels: If rice appears dry while baking, add a splash of broth.

Recipe Variations

🔹 Swap the Protein: Use turkey, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken.
🌱 Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with chickpeas or roasted veggies, and use vegetable broth.
🥑 Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice (adjust cooking time).
🥒 Extra Veggies: Mix in cherry tomatoes, artichokes, or spinach.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice? Yes, but it requires more broth and an extra 15–20 minutes of baking.

Don’t have tzatziki ingredients? Try store-bought tzatziki or mix plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic powder, and dried dill.

Need a dairy-free option? Use dairy-free yogurt and omit feta.

How to prevent rice from sticking? Grease the baking dish well and ensure the broth fully covers the rice before baking.

Conclusion

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a game-changer for those who love delicious, easy, and nutritious meals. The creamy tzatziki sauce complements the hearty casserole perfectly, making it a must-try for any Mediterranean food lover. Whether you’re prepping a quick family meal or impressing guests, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite!