This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe is a quick meal that’s full of flavor. Tender chicken, rice, and a tangy tzatziki sauce make a delightful combo!
No need for fancy cooking skills here! I love how I can just mix everything in one dish and pop it in the oven. Cleanup is a breeze, too—talk about a win-win! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this dish as they cook quickly and stay tender. If you prefer dark meat, use thighs instead; they’ll add a richer flavor.
Rice: Long grain white rice is perfect for this recipe, but you can substitute jasmine or basmati rice for a different aroma. Just adjust the liquid amounts according to the rice type, if needed.
Tzatziki Sauce: Store-bought tzatziki is convenient, but homemade is even better! You can make your own with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill. Greek yogurt can be a great substitute if you’re looking for a thicker consistency.
Red Onion: If you don’t have red onion, yellow or white onions can work too. For a milder taste, consider using leeks instead.
How Do I Ensure My Rice Cooks Perfectly?
The rice can sometimes be tricky, but it’s important to pay attention to the liquid ratio. Using 1 ½ cups of chicken broth for 1 cup of rice is generally ideal.
- Make sure to spread the rice evenly in the dish to allow for even cooking.
- Covering it tightly with foil creates steam, helping the rice to cook properly.
- If you want to double-check, you can uncover the dish midway through cooking and see if the rice has absorbed the liquid—if it’s still hard, add a splash of water and cover again.
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: cucumber slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to bake, totaling around 55-55 minutes. You get a delicious meal with minimal effort, which is perfect for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your dish will cook evenly once it goes in the oven.
2. Prepare the Base:
In a large baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom. This is where all the delicious flavors will come together!
3. Add Flavorings:
Sprinkle the minced garlic, finely chopped red onion, dried oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper over the rice. Giving a little love to your rice makes it taste extra yummy.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Now, pour the chicken broth evenly over the rice mixture. It’s important to cover the rice well so it cooks perfectly in the oven.
5. Layer the Chicken:
Next, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts right on top of the rice. Don’t worry; they’ll get all the flavors as they cook!
6. Add the Sauce:
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken for extra moisture. Then, take that tzatziki sauce and dollop it generously over each chicken breast. Yum!
7. Cover and Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap in the steam. This helps cook the chicken and rice evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes.
8. Check for Doneness:
After 40-45 minutes, check that your chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. If everything is good to go, you can move to the next step!
9. Broil for a Golden Finish:
If you like a little browning on top, remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your dish with fresh dill or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with cucumber slices if you like a fresh crunch. Enjoy your easy, flavorful dump and bake chicken tzatziki rice!
FAQ about Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a quick thaw. This helps ensure even cooking!
Can I Substitute the Rice with Another Type?
Absolutely! While long grain white rice works best, you can substitute it with jasmine or basmati rice. Adjust the amount of liquid according to the rice you use, as some varieties may require different cooking times and water ratios.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or in a skillet on low heat until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare everything in advance and store it covered in the fridge before baking. Just make sure to bake it within 24 hours for the best results. Keep in mind that cooking time might be slightly longer if it’s cold from the fridge.
