When life hands you lemons, make a fresh batch of Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice. This dish brings together the succulent flavors of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy tzatziki, all nestled on a bed of fluffy rice. French onion stuffed chicken Imagine the aromas wafting through your kitchen, drawing in friends and family like moths to a flame.
This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. stuffed salmon with spinach Trust me, your taste buds will be doing the happy dance after just one bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful dish is supremely easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- Its flavor profile balances zesty and savory notes for an unforgettable experience
- The vibrant presentation will impress anyone at your table
- Enjoy it as is or customize with seasonal veggies for extra flair
I still remember the first time I made this dish for my friends during a casual dinner party. Their reactions were priceless; you would have thought I was Gordon Ramsay with how impressed they were!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this more delicious recipes recipe.
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts are ideal; adjust based on how many guests you’re feeding. For more inspiration, check out this learn more about us recipe.
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Long-Grain Rice: Go for long-grain rice for fluffy texture; it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
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Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat yogurt for creaminess; it enhances the tzatziki sauce and adds richness.
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Cucumber: Grate or finely chop fresh cucumber for that refreshing crunch essential to tzatziki.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic amplifies flavor—use two to three cloves depending on your love for garlic.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the whole dish; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it.
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Dried Oregano: This herb adds an earthy note—don’t skip it if you want authentic Mediterranean flavor.
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Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling—it enhances flavors and adds richness.
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Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential seasonings to elevate every component of your dish.
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Fresh Dill (optional): For garnish or mixing into tzatziki; it adds a lovely herby finish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly while you prep.
Prepare the baking dish: Grab a large baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking—no one likes sad, shredded chicken.
Season the chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts in the baking dish and drizzle them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Rub those seasonings in like you’re giving them a spa day.
Mix the rice: In a separate bowl, combine long-grain rice with water (or chicken broth for more flavor). Pour this mixture over the chicken in the baking dish.
Create tzatziki sauce: In another bowl, mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and optional dill. Stir until well combined—it should be creamy with a slight crunch from the cucumber.
Bake everything together: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove foil afterward to allow browning—keep an eye on things so nothing burns!
Serve it up: Once cooked through and fragrant, serve hot! Drizzle some leftover tzatziki sauce over each serving—your guests will thank you!
This easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice recipe combines flavorful ingredients effortlessly. It’s perfect for those who want deliciousness without all the fuss! Enjoy every mouthful of this culinary adventure that even your busiest days can’t resist! loaded breakfast hash.
You Must Know
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in tzatziki for at least an hour; then layer rice and veggies in the baking dish before adding the chicken. Bake until everything is tender and infused with flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out jasmine rice for brown rice or add olives and feta cheese for extra Mediterranean flair. Experimenting will keep this dish exciting every time you make it.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F
- Avoid overcooking your rice by checking doneness early
- Don’t forget to let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavor absorption
Cooking Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice has become my go-to recipe when friends ask me to whip something up quickly. vegetable curry recipe Nothing beats their smiles when they savor that creamy, tangy goodness!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, just increase cooking time by about 10-15 minutes for frozen chicken.
What type of rice works best with this dish?
Jasmine rice gives a fragrant touch, but brown rice works well too.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinate and assemble ahead, then simply bake when ready to serve.

Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the delightful combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy tzatziki over fluffy rice with this easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings, this dish promises to impress with its vibrant flavors and minimal prep time. Just mix a few ingredients, pop it in the oven, and enjoy a delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat)
- 1 medium cucumber (grated)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the chicken breasts in the dish; drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. Rub the seasonings into the chicken.
- In a separate bowl, mix the rice with water or chicken broth; pour over the seasoned chicken.
- For the tzatziki sauce, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and optional dill in another bowl.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for about 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil to allow browning; bake an additional 10 minutes if desired.
- Serve hot with leftover tzatziki sauce drizzled on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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