Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Effortless Preparation: No need for pre-cooking or complicated steps—just dump the ingredients, bake, and enjoy.
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One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup with everything baked in one dish.
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Nutritious and Flavorful: Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and yogurt, making it both healthy and delicious.
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Customizable: Easy to adjust the recipe to fit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
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1 ½ cups chicken broth or water
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt
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⅓ cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped)
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon ground cumin
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Juice of 1 lemon
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½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
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¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Directions
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Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out the excess water. Mix with Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread uncooked rice evenly, pour chicken broth over the rice, and layer chicken pieces on top.
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Season the Chicken: Mix olive oil, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken with the seasoning paste.
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Bake the Dish: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes if necessary.
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Serve: Top with tzatziki sauce and optional garnishes such as feta cheese and fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
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Servings: 4
Variations
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Protein Options: Swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or tofu.
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Vegetarian Version: Use chickpeas or roasted vegetables instead of chicken.
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Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice.
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Add Veggies: Include spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid.
What if I don’t have tzatziki ingredients?
Store-bought tzatziki can be used, or mix plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic powder, and dill.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki sauce and skip the feta cheese.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the dish?
Grease the baking dish well and make sure the rice is fully covered with broth before baking.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just ensure it’s fully cooked before serving.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a sprinkle of red chili flakes to the seasoning mix or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
Can I use a different type of yogurt?
Yes, you can use any type of plain yogurt, but Greek yogurt gives the best texture for tzatziki.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it when you're ready.
How do I make sure the rice cooks properly?
Ensure the rice is evenly spread and fully covered with broth. Add more liquid if necessary.
Conclusion
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that delivers the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy nights and will surely become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy the combination of tender chicken, aromatic rice, and creamy tzatziki for a truly satisfying dinner.
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