Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a fuss-free, Mediterranean-inspired dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With creamy tzatziki, juicy chicken, and tender rice all baked together in one dish, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner. Just mix, dump, and bake—no stovetop work required!

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breastsrice (uncooked, long-grain white rice or jasmine)chicken broth or watertzatziki saucegarlic (minced)olive oilsalt and peppercherry tomatoes (halved)red onion (thinly sliced)feta cheese (for topping)fresh dill or parsley (optional garnish)

directions

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

In the baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth (or water), garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix evenly.

Nestle the chicken breasts into the rice mixture.

Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast.

Scatter cherry tomatoes and red onion over the top.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Remove the foil and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. Bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Garnish with chopped fresh dill or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 50-60 minutesTotal time: 1 hour

Variations

Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.

Add kalamata olives or chopped cucumber for extra Mediterranean flair.

Try it with quinoa or brown rice—just adjust liquid and cooking time accordingly.

Top with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for added brightness.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.If the rice dries out slightly, add a splash of water before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

Yes, store-bought tzatziki works great and saves time.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but increase the baking time and add extra liquid to ensure the rice cooks fully.

Do I need to sear the chicken first?

Nope! It cooks perfectly in the oven without any pre-searing.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free tzatziki alternative and skip the feta.

What vegetables go well in this dish?

Zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers are great additions.

Is this meal kid-friendly?

Yes, especially if you go light on the onions and herbs.

Can I add more protein?

Chickpeas or white beans can be added to the rice for an extra protein boost.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and be white throughout.

Conclusion

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a no-stress, all-in-one meal bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavor. Whether you’re pressed for time or just want a hearty, delicious dinner without the mess, this easy recipe is a winner. Just toss it together, bake, and enjoy a satisfying, wholesome meal.