Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice recipe is the ultimate weeknight lifesaver. It combines juicy baked chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce—all in one baking dish. There’s no need for pre-cooking or complicated steps. Just mix, dump, and bake! The Greek-inspired flavors are fresh and vibrant, making it a satisfying dinner that feels both comforting and light. And the best part? It takes just a few minutes of hands-on time, then the oven does the rest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor. Everything cooks together in one baking dish!
• Effortless: No pre-cooking the chicken or rice. Just layer, cover, and bake.
• Bright and Creamy Flavors: The tzatziki sauce adds a cool, garlicky punch that pairs perfectly with the warm, spiced chicken and tender rice.
• Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein, whole grains, and refreshing Greek flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this recipe so irresistible—and simple!

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. They cook evenly and stay juicy in the oven.
• Uncooked rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal. It soaks up all the flavorful liquid while baking.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture, helping the rice cook perfectly.
• Tzatziki sauce: The star of the show! Use store-bought for ease or homemade if you have the time. Adds a cool, creamy, cucumber-garlic zing.
• Lemon juice: Brightens up the dish and enhances the tzatziki’s tanginess.
• Garlic: For a warm, aromatic backbone. Use fresh or pre-minced.
• Red onion: Sliced thin for a bit of bite and sweetness once baked.
• Cherry tomatoes: Bursty and sweet, they add freshness and color.
• Olive oil: A drizzle on top for richness and to help crisp up the chicken slightly.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, oregano, and a touch of paprika bring that Mediterranean flair.

Variations

Want to make it your own? Absolutely!

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dollop of harissa to the tzatziki for a fiery kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu. Just adjust baking time accordingly.
• Different Grains: Try orzo, quinoa, or couscous instead of rice. Keep an eye on liquid amounts and cook times.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, zucchini slices, or bell peppers before baking for added nutrition and color.

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Add uncooked rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, garlic, and a generous scoop of tzatziki to the baking dish. Stir until everything is combined.

Step 3: Nestle the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Arrange the sliced red onion and cherry tomatoes around the chicken.

Step 4: Drizzle and Cover

Drizzle everything with a bit of olive oil, then cover tightly with foil. This traps the steam and helps the rice cook through.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and the rice is tender. If needed, bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to let any extra moisture evaporate.

Step 6: Serve with More Tzatziki

Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve with an extra spoonful of tzatziki and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use a Glass or Ceramic Dish: Helps distribute heat evenly and prevents sticking.
• Don’t Peek! Keep the foil on while baking to ensure the rice cooks properly with steam.
• Cut Chicken Evenly: For consistent cooking, make sure your chicken pieces are similar in size.
• Homemade Tzatziki: If you want extra freshness, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, and dill for a quick homemade sauce.

How to Serve

This dish is so versatile, you can serve it a few different ways:

On Its Own:

It’s a complete meal with protein, grains, and veggies all in one pan.

With a Side Salad:

A simple cucumber and red onion salad or Greek salad with feta pairs beautifully.

In a Wrap:

Shred the chicken and spoon it with rice into a warm pita or flatbread for a Mediterranean wrap.

With Fresh Herbs:

Garnish with chopped dill, parsley, or mint for a pop of freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight!

Freezing

Freeze in individual portions for easy meal prep. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Microwave until heated through, or warm in the oven at 350°F with a splash of water to keep the rice moist.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and needs more liquid. Add about 1/2 cup more broth and increase baking time by 15-20 minutes.

What if I don’t have tzatziki?
No problem! Substitute with a mix of plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and dill for a similar flavor profile.

Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw the chicken first. Using frozen chicken can throw off the cooking time and leave the rice undercooked.

How do I know when it’s done?
The chicken should reach 165°F, and the rice should be tender with no excess liquid in the pan. If not, return to the oven uncovered for a few more minutes.

Final Thoughts

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a weeknight win—bright, flavorful, and almost too easy to be true. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just want something wholesome and fuss-free, this recipe delivers every time. Don’t forget that final spoonful of tzatziki—it’s what brings the whole dish together. Give it a try tonight and taste just how simple delicious can be!

Print