Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice: A Comfort Dish That Transports You to Greece Recipe

Introduction

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a simple, comforting dish that brings the fresh flavors of Greece straight to your table. With minimal prep and a creamy tzatziki topping, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave something satisfying and wholesome.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
• 1.5 cups rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh dill
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Spread the rice evenly in the casserole dish, then place the chicken pieces on top. Season everything generously with salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Stir well to make your tzatziki sauce.
4. Step 4: Spoon the tzatziki mixture evenly over the chicken, then pour the chicken broth into the dish.
5. Step 5: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, until the chicken is completely cooked and the rice is fluffy and tender.

Tips & Variations

• For added fiber, substitute white rice with brown rice, but increase the baking time slightly and add a bit more broth.
• Add diced zucchini or other vegetables on top before baking for extra nutrition.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, or breasts for a leaner option.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water or broth if the rice seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well but requires a longer cooking time and a bit more liquid. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the rice cooks through.

Do I need to peel the cucumber for the tzatziki?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds more texture and nutrients, but if you prefer a smoother tzatziki, peel the cucumber before grating.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice: A Comfort Dish That Transports You to Greece Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 121 reviews

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a comforting and flavorful Greek-inspired one-dish meal that seamlessly combines tender chicken breasts or thighs with fluffy rice and a refreshing tzatziki sauce. Easy to prepare and bake in one casserole dish, this recipe offers a hassle-free weeknight dinner that transports your taste buds straight to Greece with vibrant herbs, garlic, and lemon-infused yogurt.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts or thighs
• 1.5 cups Rice
• 3 cups Chicken broth

Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 Cucumber, grated
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice

Seasoning

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Layer Rice and Chicken: Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the greased casserole dish. Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice, and season well with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Make the Tzatziki Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Assemble and Add Broth: Spoon the prepared tzatziki sauce evenly over the chicken pieces. Then, pour the chicken broth gently over the rice and chicken, ensuring the rice is submerged to cook properly. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil.
5. Bake Until Cooked: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked through, and the rice should be tender and fluffy.
6. Serve: Remove from oven, let it rest a few minutes, then serve the dish warm, optionally garnished with additional fresh dill or lemon wedges.

Notes

• For added fiber and a nuttier flavor, substitute white rice with brown rice; note this may increase cooking time slightly.
• Incorporate diced zucchini or other vegetables to add color and nutrition to the dish.
• Make sure to cover the casserole with foil tightly to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
• You can swap chicken thighs with breasts depending on your preference for flavor and fat content.

Keywords: chicken tzatziki rice, Greek chicken casserole, one-dish chicken dinner, baked chicken with rice, tzatziki sauce recipe