Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice recipe is a simple, all-in-one casserole that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a tangy homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a comforting Greek-inspired dinner, it requires minimal prep and bakes everything together in one dish, making clean-up a breeze. The creamy yogurt and cucumber sauce meld beautifully with fragrant herbs and spices, topped off with feta cheese and fresh parsley for an authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
For the Tzatziki Mixture:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Casserole Base: In the greased baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth (or water), olive oil, minced garlic, dried dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute all the seasonings.
- Add Chicken and Yogurt Mixture: Arrange the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly over the rice mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice to form the tzatziki sauce base. Pour this yogurt mixture evenly over the chicken and rice, spreading gently with the back of a spoon to cover everything.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the foil and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top if desired. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to slightly melt the cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve warm alongside a crisp salad or warm pita bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Rice Options: Brown rice or jasmine rice can be substituted but adjust the liquid amount and cooking time accordingly—brown rice may require up to 50 minutes of baking.
- Tzatziki Shortcut: Use store-bought tzatziki sauce for convenience, thinning it slightly with lemon juice or water before spreading over the dish.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dish up to the point of adding the yogurt sauce, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
Keywords: Chicken Tzatziki, Greek casserole, baked chicken and rice, one-dish meal, tzatziki sauce, Mediterranean dinner, easy chicken bake, healthy chicken recipe
