This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken pieces, aromatic herbs, and creamy tzatziki sauce come together over a bed of perfectly cooked rice, delivering a Mediterranean-inspired meal with minimal effort. This one-pan dish is both nutritious and flavorful, with customizable options for different dietary needs.
1 lb 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
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/3 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried dill (or 2 tsp fresh dill, chopped)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp 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)
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water. Mix it with Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread uncooked rice evenly, pour chicken broth over rice, and layer chicken pieces on top.
Season the Chicken: Mix olive oil, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken with this seasoning mixture.
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 needed.
Serve: Top with tzatziki sauce and optional garnishes like feta cheese and fresh parsley.
For a low-carb version, swap rice with cauliflower rice.
Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or roasted vegetables.
Protein options: Try turkey, shrimp, or tofu in place of chicken.