This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice is a total winner! Just toss chicken and rice into a dish, add some tasty tzatziki sauce, and let the oven do all the work.
I love how simple this is—no fuss, just deliciousness! Plus, with that creamy tzatziki, you’ll feel like a chef without breaking a sweat. Perfect for busy weeknights! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe as it cooks well and stays fluffy. If you prefer brown rice, just add some extra liquid and cooking time for great results. Quinoa is a good gluten-free option, too!
Chicken: I usually use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness. You can swap in chicken breasts for a leaner option or even use rotisserie chicken to save time. Just add it in towards the end of cooking.
Spices: Turmeric, cumin, and smoked paprika create really warm flavors here. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even some chili powder can work. Experiment with spices that you enjoy to make it your own!
Tzatziki Sauce: Greek yogurt is key for that creamy texture. If you need a dairy-free version, opt for coconut yogurt or a plant-based yogurt. You can also use mint instead of dill for a fresh twist!
How Do I Ensure the Chicken and Rice Cook Perfectly Together?
The trick to this dump-and-bake method is to layer everything right (no stirring!). Here’s how to do it:
- Mix all the raw ingredients (rice, chicken, onion, spices) together in a bowl first so they are well-coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly in your baking dish. This helps everything cook uniformly.
- Pour the chicken broth over the top, making sure it covers the rice, but don’t stir again! This keeps the rice from becoming gummy.
- Cover tightly with foil to trap steam, which helps the rice cook through without drying out.
- After 45 minutes, uncover and let it bake longer to brown the top and evaporate extra moisture.
This method gives you tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice every time—feel free to add a little extra broth if you like it saucier!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon, plus lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, finely grated and drained of excess water
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 55 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. You’ll spend a quick 10 minutes getting everything ready, and the oven will do the rest while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or lightly oil a large baking dish, about 9×13 inches in size, to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Cover it up and pop it in the fridge to chill while you prepare the chicken and rice.
3. Prepare the Chicken and Rice Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, add the rinsed rice, chicken pieces, chopped onion, minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix to make sure the chicken and rice are evenly coated with those delicious spices.
4. Get It in the Baking Dish:
Transfer the rice and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Then, pour the chicken broth over everything, but remember—do not stir! This helps keep the rice fluffy.
5. Bake the Dish:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Put it in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Brown the Top:
After 45 minutes, take off the foil and let it bake uncovered for another 10 minutes. This will help any extra liquid evaporate and give the top a nice, golden-brown color.
7. Finish Up:
Once it’s done, remove the dish from the oven and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish everything with fresh parsley or cilantro and lemon wedges for an extra zing!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the dish warm, and don’t forget to add a dollop of that cool tzatziki sauce on top or on the side. It pairs beautifully with pita bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal!
This hands-off one-dish meal not only provides perfectly tender chicken and flavorful turmeric-spiced rice, but it also gives you the added bonus of a refreshing tzatziki. It’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner that still feels special!
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice! Just be aware that you’ll need to increase the baking time and liquid. Typically, brown rice requires about 1 additional cup of broth and an extra 15-20 minutes of cooking time. Make sure to check that it’s fully cooked before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe with Frozen Chicken?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If you’re using frozen chicken, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. It will likely take an additional 15-20 minutes. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove. If the rice seems a bit dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to restore moisture.
Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tzatziki sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it covered and refrigerated. The flavors will blend nicely, and it will be nice and cool to serve with your warm dish!
