Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a simple and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that comes together effortlessly in one pan. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, garlicky tzatziki sauce, this recipe delivers a well-balanced meal with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back dinners, it’s a wholesome meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Minimal prep time and no need to pre-cook the rice or chicken
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Baked in one dish for easy cleanup
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Features fresh, Mediterranean flavors with a creamy twist
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A healthy mix of protein, carbs, and light dairy
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Easy to customize with vegetables or spices
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Great for meal prepping or feeding a family
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Comforting and satisfying, yet light and fresh
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Freezer-friendly for convenient make-ahead meals
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Kid-friendly and versatile
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Tastes even better the next day
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Long-grain white rice or basmati rice
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Chicken broth or water
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Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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Garlic powder
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Dried oregano
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Paprika
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Salt and black pepper
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Diced cucumbers (optional, for garnish)
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
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Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Spread uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour chicken broth over the rice.
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Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice.
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Spoon tzatziki sauce over each piece of chicken.
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Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
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Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cucumbers, parsley, and lemon juice if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Total Time: 50 minutes
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 45 minutes
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Servings: 4–6 servings
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Approximate Calories per Serving: 400–450
Variations
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Lemon Herb Tzatziki Chicken: Add lemon zest and fresh dill to the tzatziki for extra brightness.
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Veggie-Packed Version: Layer zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes over the rice before baking.
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Spicy Kick: Mix harissa or red pepper flakes into the tzatziki.
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Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella before the final 10 minutes of baking.
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Whole Grain Alternative: Use brown rice but increase the liquid and baking time slightly.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if needed to rehydrate the rice.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you'll need to increase the liquid and baking time to ensure the rice cooks through.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook but add extra juiciness and flavor.
What if I don’t have tzatziki?
You can make a quick version using Greek yogurt mixed with garlic, lemon juice, cucumber, and dill.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
It’s best to use uncooked rice so it absorbs all the flavors while baking. Pre-cooked rice may become mushy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your tzatziki and chicken broth are gluten-free.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I add vegetables directly to the bake?
Yes! Chopped bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini are great options to mix in with the rice.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Use a larger baking dish or two pans, and adjust the baking time as needed.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth or in the oven covered with foil to keep the moisture in.
Conclusion
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is the ultimate solution for a flavorful, fuss-free meal that delivers big on taste with minimal effort. Whether you're feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something cozy and wholesome, this recipe has you covered. Try it once, and it just might become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is an easy, one-pan Mediterranean dinner loaded with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy tzatziki sauce. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this healthy, kid-friendly, and freezer-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or effortless meal prep.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati rice (uncooked)
2 cups chicken broth or water
1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes:
Diced cucumbers
Fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Spread uncooked rice evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour chicken broth over rice.
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Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Place chicken on top of rice. Spoon tzatziki sauce over each piece.
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Cover dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
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Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with cucumber, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add lemon zest or chopped dill to the tzatziki.
- Add chopped veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes before baking.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- To use brown rice, increase liquid and extend baking time.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
