If you’re looking for an easy yet flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe. It’s the kind of dish where convenience meets Mediterranean charm—a juicy chicken breast baked right alongside fluffy rice, all finished with a cool, creamy tzatziki that brings everything together beautifully. Whether you’re short on time or just craving a no-fuss meal packed with fresh, vibrant flavors, this recipe is going to become your new favorite weeknight hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients simple and straightforward is part of what makes this recipe so approachable, but every item plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture. From the tender chicken to the aromatic rice and refreshing tzatziki, each component brings something special to the dish.
- Chicken breasts: Use fresh, boneless breasts for juicy, tender meat that cooks evenly in the oven.
- Long-grain white rice: This rice will cook up fluffy and separate, soaking up all the savory broth flavors.
- Chicken broth: The secret to perfectly moist rice loaded with savory depth.
- Tzatziki sauce: Creamy, tangy, and cool—either store-bought or homemade, it finishes the dish beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps seasonings cling to the chicken.
- Garlic powder: A simple way to infuse warm, savory notes into the dish.
- Salt and pepper: To enhance and balance all the flavors perfectly.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the presentation and adds a fresh herbal touch as garnish.
How to Make Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. A well-prepped dish ensures even cooking and that lovely golden crust you want on your chicken.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in the baking dish and drizzle them with olive oil to keep everything juicy. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly over the chicken. This simple seasoning layers essential savory flavors right where they’ll shine.
Step 3: Mix the Rice and Broth
In a separate bowl, combine the rice with chicken broth, plus a touch more salt and pepper. The broth infuses the rice with flavor while it cooks, making every bite comforting and rich.
Step 4: Combine Rice and Chicken in the Dish
Pour the rice mixture carefully around the chicken breasts in the baking dish. This setup lets the rice absorb all the delicious chicken juices as everything cooks together—less fuss, more flavor.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the entire baking dish tightly with foil to create a steamy environment that cooks the rice perfectly and locks in the chicken’s moisture. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender and fluffy.
Step 6: Add Tzatziki and Garnish
Once it’s out of the oven, spoon a generous dollop of cool tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve this dish warm, letting the creamy tzatziki mingle with the savory chicken and rice. Every forkful is a delicious balance—simple enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough to share with guests.
How to Serve Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that not only adds a pop of vibrant green color but also a subtle freshness that cuts through the richness. If you want to jazz it up, a sprinkle of paprika or a drizzle of olive oil can add an inviting sheen and a hint of warmth.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp Greek salad for a refreshing crunch or a side of roasted vegetables to bring some earthiness to your meal. A warm flatbread or pita is perfect for scooping up extra tzatziki and rice, adding an interactive and fun element to the dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive presentation, serve your chicken and rice on a large platter, topped with tzatziki sauce and garnished with mint leaves along with parsley. Layer it alongside lemon wedges to squeeze over just before eating—that citrusy brightness elevates the Mediterranean flavor profile beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the tzatziki separate until serving helps maintain its fresh and creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and rice, but beware that tzatziki doesn’t freeze well because it’s yogurt-based and can separate. Freeze the chicken and rice tightly wrapped or in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Add fresh tzatziki after reheating for the best texture and flavor. This way, every bite stays just as delicious as the first time you made it.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice can be used, but it requires a longer cooking time. If you want to substitute, you might need to increase the baking time and add extra liquid to ensure the rice cooks through properly.
Is homemade tzatziki necessary, or can I use store-bought?
Store-bought tzatziki works perfectly and saves time. However, if you love fresh herbs and cucumbers, making your own adds an extra burst of freshness and flavor that’s truly special.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
The dairy mainly comes from the tzatziki sauce, which is yogurt-based. You could try a dairy-free or coconut yogurt alternative to make it suitable for a dairy-free diet without sacrificing much on flavor.
What if I don’t have garlic powder? Can I use fresh garlic?
Absolutely! Mince 1 to 2 cloves of fresh garlic and rub it on the chicken or mix it into the rice broth for a more intense garlic flavor. Just be mindful fresh garlic can brown faster in the oven.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
The chicken and rice freeze well, but the tzatziki should be added fresh after reheating. Freezing the tzatziki often causes it to separate and lose its creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe is truly a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that combines effortless cooking with bright, Mediterranean-inspired flavors. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a delicious meal without standing over the stove for hours. I can’t wait for you to try it—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
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
This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a convenient and flavorful one-dish meal combining tender baked chicken breasts with perfectly cooked rice, all topped with creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce and fresh parsley. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe ideal for busy weeknights, offering Mediterranean-inspired flavors with 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish and Sauce
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate cleaning.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and drizzle them with olive oil. Season the chicken evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance flavor.
- Mix Rice Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the long-grain white rice, chicken broth, and additional salt and pepper. Stir well to mix thoroughly.
- Arrange Rice and Chicken: Pour the rice and broth mixture evenly around the chicken breasts in the baking dish, making sure the rice is submerged in the broth for even cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender and cooked through.
- Add Tzatziki and Garnish: Remove the baking dish from the oven, uncover, and spoon the tzatziki sauce generously over each chicken breast. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finishing touch.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and rice warm for a comforting and delicious meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can make homemade tzatziki using Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill for a fresher taste.
- Ensure the baking dish is tightly covered with foil to steam the rice properly and keep the chicken moist.
- Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee it is safely cooked.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken briefly before baking with olive oil and seasonings if time allows.
