Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired dish that requires minimal effort. With tender chicken, creamy tzatziki, fragrant herbs, and fluffy rice all baked together in one dish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. No pre-cooking or sautéing—just mix, dump, and bake for a delicious and wholesome meal.

ingredients

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

boneless skinless chicken breast or thighstzatziki sauceuncooked long grain white ricesliced red oniongarlic powderdried oreganodried dillchickensaltblack pepperolive oillemon juicewater or chicken brothfresh parsley or dill (for garnish)

directions

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

Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.

Layer the sliced red onion on top of the rice.

Arrange the chicken pieces over the onions and season with garlic powder, oregano, dill, salt, and pepper.

In a bowl, mix tzatziki sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, and water or broth until smooth.

Pour the tzatziki mixture evenly over the chicken and rice.

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Remove the foil, fluff the rice, and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 50-60 minutesResting time: 5-10 minutesTotal time: 65-80 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Use brown rice, but increase the baking time and liquid slightly.

Add chopped spinach or artichokes for more veggies.

Top with crumbled feta before baking for extra richness.

Use store-bought or homemade tzatziki depending on preference.

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.You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

No, this recipe is designed for uncooked rice to absorb the flavors while baking.

What kind of tzatziki works best?

Any thick, Greek-style tzatziki sauce works well. Homemade or store-bought are both fine.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs work great and remain juicy.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s mild and herby, perfect for all palates.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

No marinating is necessary thanks to the flavorful tzatziki and spices.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything in the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What if the rice isn’t fully cooked?

Return to the oven covered and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of liquid if needed.

Can I use different herbs?

Sure! Try thyme, basil, or mint for a different twist.

Can I bake this uncovered?

It’s best baked covered to trap moisture for cooking the rice evenly.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes, both pre-baked and post-baked versions can be frozen.

Conclusion

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a stress-free, oven-baked meal that delivers bold Mediterranean flavor with hardly any cleanup. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rice, it’s a recipe that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Give it a try and bring the taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table tonight