Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

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by Sarah Connor

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When you think of a dish that brings the family together, imagine a casserole bubbling away in the oven, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is more than just food; it’s a one-pan wonder that tantalizes your taste buds with zesty flavors and creamy textures. grilled corn with herb butter Picture tender chicken swimming in a bath of tangy tzatziki sauce while fluffy rice soaks up all the deliciousness – it’s like a party on a plate.

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I remember the first time I made this dish; my family couldn’t believe how easy it was to prepare. They were digging in before I could even take a proper photo for the blog! Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe promises to impress without taking over your evening. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this culinary adventure!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This delightful meal is not only easy to prepare but also delivers bold flavors that everyone will love
  • You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home
  • The vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece for any table
  • Ideal for meal prep or cozy family dinners, it’s incredibly versatile!

Seeing my friends gather around the dinner table, grinning from ear to ear after devouring this dish was priceless.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.
  • Long-Grain Rice: Opt for long-grain rice for nice fluffy grains; it absorbs flavors beautifully.
  • Tzatziki Sauce: You can buy pre-made or whip up your own with yogurt and cucumbers for freshness.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon brightens everything up, enhancing all those amazing flavors.
  • Olive Oil: Drizzle on top for rich flavor and moisture while baking.
  • Garlic Powder: A little garlic powder adds depth; fresh garlic works too if you prefer!
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; always taste as you go!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat and Prepare Your Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large baking dish and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to keep things from sticking.

Add the Rice: Pour uncooked long-grain rice evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. This will be the base that soaks up all that delicious sauce later.

Create the Flavor Layer: Place the boneless chicken breasts on top of the rice. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for flavor that sings.

Pour on the Goodness: In a separate bowl, mix tzatziki sauce with lemon juice and olive oil until smooth. healthy glow bowl Pour this delightful mixture over the chicken and rice evenly.

Add Water: Carefully add water around the edges of the baking dish, ensuring not to disturb the chicken too much. This helps cook everything evenly.

Bake Away: Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and rice has absorbed most of the liquid.

Once it’s done baking, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. The aroma will have everyone eagerly awaiting their first bite!

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings where you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen! You’ll love how simple yet flavorful this recipe is – it’s bound to become a family favorite! Mediterranean Chicken recipe.

You Must Know

  • This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
  • You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
  • The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
  • Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken in Tzatziki while preheating the oven to 375°F. Bake the rice simultaneously for even cooking and maximum flavor infusion.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu, or add veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for extra crunch and color. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to avoid drying out.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • When marinating, let the chicken sit overnight for deeper flavor penetration
  • Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter taste
  • Keep an eye on the rice to prevent overcooking and ensure perfect texture

Sometimes I catch myself daydreaming about that first bite of Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice, surrounded by friends raving about my cooking skills—priceless!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use store-bought Tzatziki for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought Tzatziki is convenient and still delicious for this recipe.

What side dishes pair well with Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice?

For more inspiration, check out this Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad recipe.

Greek salad or roasted vegetables complement this dish beautifully. light and refreshing tuna salad.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Delicious Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice


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  • Author: Gordon Calloway
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a simple yet flavorful one-pan meal that brings the family together. Tender chicken breasts are immersed in tangy tzatziki sauce, paired with fluffy rice that absorbs all the zesty goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to impress with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Spread uncooked long-grain rice evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
  3. Place chicken breasts on top of the rice and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  4. In a bowl, mix tzatziki sauce, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth. Pour over chicken and rice evenly.
  5. Carefully add water around the edges of the dish without disturbing the chicken.
  6. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F) and rice has absorbed most of the liquid.
  7. Let sit for a few minutes before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (approximately 300g)
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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