If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts baked right alongside flavorful rice, all topped with a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce that adds the perfect fresh finish. What’s truly magical is how effortless this recipe is — you simply dump everything into one dish, bake, and let the flavors mingle while you relax. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving comfort food with a Mediterranean twist, this dish delivers big on taste and minimal on fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe plays an important role, combining simple pantry staples with fresh touches to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. These essentials are easy to find and come together beautifully to keep your dinner stress-free and delicious.
- Chicken breasts: The star protein of the dish, providing juicy, tender meat when baked perfectly.
- Long-grain white rice: Cooks fluffy and light, soaking up all the wonderful chicken broth flavors.
- Chicken broth: Adds rich, savory depth to the rice, ensuring it’s anything but bland.
- Tzatziki sauce: Creamy and cool, this tangy sauce brightens every bite with cucumber and garlic.
- Olive oil: Brings a subtle fruity richness while keeping the chicken moist.
- Garlic powder: An easy way to boost savory notes without chopping fresh garlic.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that elevate all the other ingredients.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh and colorful garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. Place your chicken breasts in the dish, drizzle them with olive oil, and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to build a flavor base that will infuse the whole plate.
Step 2: Mix the Rice and Broth
In a separate bowl, combine your long-grain white rice with the chicken broth and a pinch more salt and pepper. This mixture will cook up tender and fragrant. Pour this evenly around the chicken in the baking dish, letting the rice sit snugly so it can absorb all those delicious juices as it bakes.
Step 3: Bake On and Let Flavors Meld
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap steam and moisture, which keeps the chicken succulent and allows the rice to cook perfectly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender. This hands-off step gives you time to unwind while your kitchen fills with irresistible aroma.
Step 4: Top with Tzatziki and Garnish
Once your chicken and rice are cooked, remove the foil and spoon a generous amount of cool, creamy tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, herby touch. The combination of warm chicken and rice with the chilled tzatziki is what makes the Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe truly stand out.
How to Serve Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a subtle, fresh flavor that complements the tangy tzatziki wonderfully. For an extra splash of vibrance, feel free to add a few thin lemon wedges on the side, which guests can squeeze for a lively citrus burst.
Side Dishes
Since this recipe is a complete one-pan meal, simple side options work best. A crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives or some garlic roasted vegetables will balance the creamy chicken and rice. A crusty bread to scoop up any remaining tzatziki is always a winner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of the rice topped with tzatziki styled like a sauce drizzle. Alternatively, try plating the dish alongside a small bowl of extra tzatziki or even wrapping the chicken and rice in warm pita bread for a casual handheld version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for a delicious quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze any leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. For best quality, enjoy within 2 months. Just remember that tzatziki sauce is best added fresh after thawing to keep its creamy texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. Reapply fresh dollops of tzatziki after reheating to maintain that vibrant, cool contrast.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice with basmati or jasmine rice for a different aroma and texture, but cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the rice as it bakes.
Is homemade tzatziki better than store-bought?
Homemade tzatziki offers a fresher, more vibrant flavor and lets you adjust ingredients to your liking, but a good-quality store-bought tzatziki sauce saves time while still adding that classic tang.
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces instead of breasts?
You can, but bone-in chicken usually requires longer cooking time. Consider adjusting bake time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without drying out the rice.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your chicken broth and tzatziki sauce labels if you have specific dietary restrictions.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely. Feel free to mix in diced bell peppers, tomatoes, or zucchini into the rice mixture before baking for extra nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a dish you can simply dump together and bake with minimal effort, and the Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe exemplifies that beautifully. It’s warm, flavorful, and fresh all at once — a perfect recipe to keep in your back pocket for busy nights or when you want a taste of Mediterranean magic on your table. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your home!
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 simple, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a busy weeknight. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned and baked alongside fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, then topped with cool, creamy tzatziki sauce and fresh parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired dish that requires minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste (for rice mixture)
Toppings
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and drizzle olive oil over them. Season evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Prepare rice mixture: In a separate bowl, combine long-grain white rice, chicken broth, and additional salt and pepper. Stir well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Add rice around chicken: Pour the rice mixture carefully around the chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring even distribution without covering the chicken.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 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. Spoon a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant finish.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the chicken and rice warm straight from the dish for a comforting and easy meal.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Tzatziki sauce can be store-bought or homemade for a fresher taste.
- If you prefer, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to adjust flavor or dietary needs.
- Feel free to add vegetables like diced bell peppers or tomatoes to the rice mixture before baking for extra nutrition.
