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
Scale
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.
