Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
Introduction
This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a simple and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Just combine all the ingredients, bake, and enjoy a creamy, comforting dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly on the bottom.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice in a single layer.
- Step 3: Pour the chicken broth over the rice and chicken, then dollop the tzatziki sauce evenly over the chicken pieces.
- Step 4: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Step 5: Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes to lightly brown the top, if desired. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use Greek yogurt mixed with garlic and cucumber if you don’t have store-bought tzatziki.
- Add lemon zest or fresh herbs like dill for extra brightness.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat.
- Include chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep the chicken moist. Avoid overcooking when reheating to prevent dryness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but adjust the baking time as brown rice usually requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You may need to bake for about 60 minutes and increase broth to 4 cups.
Is it necessary to cover the dish while baking?
Covering the dish helps trap steam, which cooks the rice and chicken evenly and prevents drying out. It’s recommended to keep it covered until the last few minutes for a nicely browned top.
PrintDump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
A simple and flavorful one-dish meal featuring tender chicken baked with rice and flavorful broth, topped with creamy tzatziki sauce for a refreshing finish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dump-and-bake recipe requires minimal prep and delivers comforting Mediterranean-inspired flavors in one easy bake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
Topping
- 3/4 cup tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and rice mixture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly spread the rinsed rice in a single layer.
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth evenly over the rice ensuring it is fully moistened.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice in the baking dish.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 40-45 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Add Tzatziki: Remove the dish from oven, spoon tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Rinsing rice before baking helps to remove excess starch and prevents clumping.
- Covering tightly with foil is important to keep moisture in for perfectly cooked rice.
- Use homemade or store-bought tzatziki for convenience and flavor.
- You can add a sprinkle of fresh dill or chopped cucumber to enhance the tzatziki topping.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.
Keywords: chicken tzatziki, baked chicken and rice, Mediterranean chicken bake, easy chicken dinner, one dish chicken recipe
