If you’re looking for a comforting yet impressively flavorful weeknight dinner that practically makes itself, you’ve just found the perfect match with this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts roasting alongside fragrant, fluffy rice all in one pan, then finished with the cool, creamy tang of tzatziki sauce that adds a fresh Mediterranean flair. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and taste, making dinner both a breeze and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but each plays a crucial role in delivering the vibrant textures and flavors of the dish. From the softness of the chicken to the herby brightness of the parsley, everything comes together beautifully.
- 4 chicken breasts: Choose evenly sized breasts to ensure uniform cooking and juicy results.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: This type of rice cooks up light and fluffy, absorbing all the savory broth flavors.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds rich depth and moisture to the rice, making it tender and flavorful.
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce: Whether store-bought or homemade, this creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce provides a refreshing contrast.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and adds a subtle fruity note.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with gentle warmth without overpowering the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and rice, enhancing every bite.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness.
How to Make Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when the dish goes in. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent any sticking and to ensure easy cleanup after the meal.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle them with olive oil to keep them delectably moist as they cook. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly on top to create that subtle savory base that lets the tzatziki shine later on.
Step 3: Mix the Rice with Broth and Seasoning
In a separate bowl, combine the rice with the chicken broth along with a pinch of salt and pepper. This flavorful liquid ensures that the rice cooks perfectly, soaking up every bit of the broth’s richness.
Step 4: Combine and Layer
Pour the rice and broth mixture evenly around the chicken breasts in the baking dish. This method lets the rice absorb the chicken’s juices, resulting in a perfectly flavorful and tender grain.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam, helping the rice cook thoroughly and the chicken stay juicy. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is beautifully tender.
Step 6: Top with Tzatziki and Garnish
Once your chicken and rice are out of the oven, spoon generous dollops of tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for that inviting pop of green and herbaceous aroma.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve the dish right away to enjoy the contrast of warm, savory chicken and rice with the cool, creamy tzatziki, making each bite utterly satisfying.
How to Serve Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a wonderful choice for garnishing because it adds color and a subtle herbal note that complements the tzatziki beautifully. You can also sprinkle a touch of lemon zest for an extra zing or add some thinly sliced cucumbers on the side to echo the sauce’s freshness.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider serving this dish alongside a crisp Greek salad or roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. A warm pita bread on the side is perfect for scooping up any extra tzatziki and rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, slice the chicken into medallions and layer on top of a bed of the baked rice. Drizzle extra tzatziki in a zigzag pattern and sprinkle chopped herbs like dill or mint. Serving in individual shallow bowls with a wedge of lemon amps up the freshness and makes it feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken stays tender and the rice remains flavorful, making it a perfect easy lunch or dinner option the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, place portions in freezer-safe containers. The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. To maintain its best texture, it’s recommended to freeze before adding the tzatziki, which you can add fresh after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Add a fresh dollop of tzatziki after reheating to bring back the cool creaminess that makes this recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add nuttier flavor and more chew, but remember it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so adjust accordingly and bake a bit longer.
Is homemade tzatziki better than store-bought?
Homemade tzatziki is fantastic if you want fresh, vibrant flavors and can tweak ingredients to your liking, but high-quality store-bought tzatziki works wonderfully for convenience without sacrificing taste.
What if I don’t have chicken breasts?
You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead. They’re juicier and require roughly the same baking time, but watch carefully as cooks may vary.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Since tzatziki is yogurt-based, for dairy-free options try using a coconut or almond milk yogurt alternative and fresh cucumber to create a similar cool topping.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best method is using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s quick enough for weeknights but flavorful enough to impress family or friends. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it again and again as your new favorite go-to dinner!
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 Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
A simple and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender baked chicken breasts served with fluffy white rice cooked in savory chicken broth, topped with creamy tzatziki sauce and fresh parsley. This dump-and-bake recipe makes for an easy yet delicious dinner that requires minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Toppings
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Season Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts evenly in the baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over them and season thoroughly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance their flavor.
- Mix Rice and Broth: In a separate bowl, combine the rice with the chicken broth. Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Add Rice Mixture: Pour the rice and broth mixture around the chicken breasts in the baking dish, making sure to spread it out evenly.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender.
- Finish with Tzatziki: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Spoon the creamy tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and rice warm for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- The use of foil helps steam the rice and keep the chicken moist.
- Homemade tzatziki can add a fresher taste but store-bought works well for convenience.
- Feel free to substitute long-grain white rice with jasmine or basmati for fragrance.
- Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid under or overcooking.
