If you’re looking for a meal that hits all the right notes—creamy, tangy, herby, and satisfying—while being astoundingly simple to pull together, let me introduce you to Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice. This Mediterranean-inspired casserole is a dream for busy nights, blending juicy chicken, fluffy rice, zesty tzatziki, and colorful veggies, all baked together in a single dish. It’s comfort food with a twist, requiring just a few minutes of prep and zero fuss. If you crave big flavor without a mountain of dishes, this recipe will quickly become a dinnertime go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beauties of Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is how every ingredient shines in both flavor and function. Each item plays a delicious role, perfectly balancing fresh, creamy, salty, and savory elements in every bite.
- Long grain white rice: The perfect base that soaks up all the delicious juices while baking.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and moistness, infusing the rice with savory Mediterranean flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy serving.
- Tzatziki sauce: The star ingredient, bringing creamy, garlicky, and tangy notes to the entire casserole.
- Dried oregano: Delivers classic Greek flavor; don’t skip this herb!
- Garlic powder: For a boost of mellow, roasted garlicky goodness without the fuss of chopping.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ties everything together.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle bite and warmth.
- Cherry tomatoes: Pops of color and sweet, juicy flavor that lighten the dish.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Brings creamy, briny richness that pairs perfectly with tzatziki.
- Sliced Kalamata olives (optional): For a salty, tangy punch—perfect if you’re an olive lover.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything bake up golden and delicious.
How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F and give your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of oil or cooking spray. While the oven heats, chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes so everything is ready to layer. A tiny bit of prep early on makes the “dump-and-bake” part even more rewarding later!
Step 2: Create the Flavorful Base
Scatter the uncooked rice evenly in your greased baking dish, then pour in the chicken broth. Give it a good stir to make sure the rice is bathed in liquid—that’s key for fluffy, perfectly cooked grains by the end. Simple, but this step makes all the difference in the finished dish.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Tzatziki Magic
Lay the chicken pieces right over the rice base. In a separate small bowl, stir together your tzatziki sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Spoon this creamy, herby blend generously over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated (that way every bite comes packed with flavor).
Step 4: Layer on Veggies and Add a Drizzle
Sprinkle your halved cherry tomatoes across the top for bursts of sweetness and color. Then, drizzle the olive oil evenly over everything. This not only helps with browning, but also adds an extra layer of richness you’ll really notice in each forkful.
Step 5: Bake Covered, Then Uncovered
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This traps the moisture, ensuring the rice cooks through and the chicken stays tender. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and scatter feta cheese (and olives, if using) evenly on top, then return to the oven uncovered for another 10–15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender, the liquid is absorbed, and you see gorgeous golden spots from the cheese.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice rest for 5 minutes before serving. This little pause gives the rice a chance to settle, so each scoop is both moist and fluffy, and the flavors meld together beautifully. Spoon onto plates and get ready to impress!
How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh dill or chopped parsley on top just before serving adds a burst of color and that classic Mediterranean aroma. For extra zip, try a squeeze of fresh lemon or an extra swirl of tzatziki sauce at the table. These easy garnishes take Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice from tasty to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with a crisp Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or warm pita bread to round out your meal. The bright crunch and acidity of a side salad complement the creamy, savory elements of Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice beautifully. Even a simple cucumber-tomato salad makes an ideal fresh counterpart.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving for a party or special family dinner, spoon the casserole into shallow bowls, then top each portion with extra feta, olives, and a sprinkle of chopped mint. You can even turn leftovers into lunch wraps: tuck scoops of Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice into pita pockets with fresh greens for a brand-new take the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Put any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice a delicious next-day lunch or dinner option. Just be sure to cool the casserole to room temperature before sealing to keep the rice from getting gummy.
Freezing
You can easily freeze portions of this dish for future meals. Once the casserole has cooled completely, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best flavor and texture; the rice stays surprisingly tender!
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or cover and warm in a low oven (about 325°F) until heated through. If you find the rice has dried out a bit, splash in a tablespoon or two of chicken broth before reheating to revive the creamy, just-baked feel of Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a wholesome swap, though you’ll need to add a bit more chicken broth and extend the baking time so the grains turn out tender. Keep an eye on the liquid and test for doneness before serving.
Is it better to use store-bought or homemade tzatziki?
Both work brilliantly here! Store-bought saves time and keeps things simple, but homemade tzatziki—made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, and dill—gives you a fresh, vibrant lift. Try both and see which flavor profile you love most.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in spinach, chopped red onion, or even sliced zucchini before baking. The gentle bake time means just about any quick-cooking veggie will fit right in, adding color, fiber, and even more nutrients to your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken moist?
Baking covered first with plenty of chicken broth is the secret. The steam gently cooks the chicken and rice together, locking in juiciness and flavor. Just don’t skip the foil step, and your chicken will be perfectly moist every time.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! All the main ingredients in this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your tzatziki sauce and chicken broth labels if you’re sensitive, since some brands may sneak in gluten-containing thickeners.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a meal that’s as effortless as it is flavorful, and Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice fits the bill perfectly. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or looking for something special (without all the stress), this dish brings a taste of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on just how easy and delicious it really is!
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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a flavorful and easy Mediterranean-inspired one-dish meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. With tender chicken, fragrant rice, tangy tzatziki, and savory feta, it’s a complete meal in one pan!
Ingredients
Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1½ cups chicken broth
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Tzatziki Mixture:
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup sliced Kalamata olives (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add uncooked rice and chicken broth to the dish and stir to combine.
- Assemble: Arrange the chicken pieces evenly over the rice. In a small bowl, mix the tzatziki sauce with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spoon the mixture evenly over the chicken. Scatter the cherry tomatoes on top, then drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with feta cheese and olives, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Rest and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can make your own tzatziki with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill.
- Try adding spinach or chopped red onions before baking for extra veggies.
- Brown rice can be used but will require longer baking time and more liquid.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
