Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs is great for tenderness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider substituting with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian twist.

Rice: Long grain white rice works well here, but you can easily swap it for brown rice or even quinoa for a healthier option. Just make sure to adjust the liquid and cooking time as needed.

Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess to both the chicken dish and the tzatziki. For a dairy-free version, use coconut yogurt or another non-dairy alternative.

Cucumber and Dill: Fresh cucumber gives the tzatziki its crunch. If you don’t have dill, you can substitute it with mint or basil for a different flavor twist.

What’s the Best Way to Ensure Moist Chicken?

To keep your chicken juicy, make sure not to overcook it. Covering the baking dish tightly with foil during the first part of baking helps retain moisture. After 40-45 minutes, check if the chicken is tender and cooked through; you want it to be just right!

• Mix all ingredients well before baking. This ensures even cooking and flavor.
• Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices settle.
• Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfect doneness.

Enjoy the flavorful simplicity of this dish and happy cooking!

Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 1 1/2 pounds (about 700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano (or fresh if available)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh chopped parsley or oregano for garnish
• Lemon wedges for garnish

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and drained
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep the ingredients, and then about 40–45 minutes for baking. Adding in a little time for making the tzatziki sauce, the total time is around 1 hour. It’s a simple, quick dish that delivers big flavor without much fuss!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dish bakes evenly once it’s ready to go in.

2. Prepare the Chicken and Rice:

In a large mixing bowl or directly in a baking dish, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces, rinsed rice, sliced onion, and minced garlic. Mix them together to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

3. Add Seasonings:

Sprinkle the turmeric, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the chicken and rice mixture. Then, add the olive oil and Greek yogurt. Mix well to coat all the ingredients evenly and get all those lovely flavors combined.

4. Add Liquids:

Pour in the chicken broth and water, making sure everything is nice and wet. Finally, squeeze the juice of one lemon over the top for that fresh zing. Mix gently one last time to ensure everything is nicely combined.

5. Bake:

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil, which will help keep everything moist while it bakes. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.

6. Prepare Tzatziki Sauce:

While the chicken and rice are baking, it’s time to whip up the tzatziki sauce! In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out any excess liquid), minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

7. Finishing Touches:

When the chicken and rice are done baking, remove the foil. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate it, then spoon dollops of tzatziki sauce on top or serve it on the side for people to add as they wish.

8. Garnish and Serve:

For a lovely presentation, garnish your dish with fresh chopped parsley or oregano and some lemon wedges. Serve warm with a fresh salad or pita bread on the side for a complete meal.

Enjoy your delicious, hassle-free dump and bake chicken with creamy tzatziki rice!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You’ll likely need to increase the baking time to about 50-60 minutes and add a bit more liquid, about a quarter cup extra, for best results.

Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken and rice mixture ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out.

What Other Vegetables Can I Add?

Feel free to toss in some vegetables! Frozen peas, chopped bell peppers, or spinach can be added to the baking dish with the other ingredients for a colorful, nutrient-rich meal. Just make sure any fresh vegetables are chopped small for even cooking.