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
Scale
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.
