This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice is a yummy one-pan meal that saves you dirty dishes! You mix everything in a dish and let the oven do its magic.
The chicken turns out juicy while the rice becomes creamy and flavorful with tzatziki sauce. I love how it cooks all together—less fuss and more time to enjoy dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is a great choice for quick cooking! If you prefer, you can substitute with thighs for more flavor and moisture. For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or tofu, but reduce baking time.
Rice: Long-grain or basmati rice gives a nice fluffy texture. If you’re out of these, feel free to use jasmine rice or even quinoa, but check the cooking time as it varies.
Spices: The spices used, like turmeric and cumin, are key for flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can work too, but it won’t have that smoky taste. You could also add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Greek Yogurt: It’s perfect for the tzatziki sauce! If you’re lactose intolerant, choose a dairy-free yogurt. For extra creaminess, add a bit of sour cream!
How Do I Make the Rice Fluffy and Flavorful?
The rice is a star in this dish and needs the right technique to ensure it’s fluffy and flavorful. Here’s how:
- First, rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming gummy.
- Mix the rice with onions and spices before adding the broth to ensure every grain is flavorful.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil while baking to trap steam, which helps the rice cook evenly. Leaving it covered for the entire cooking time is key!
After baking, let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork. This helps any residual moisture to escape, making it light and airy!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups long-grain or basmati rice, rinsed
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, finely grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 clove garlic, 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?
This dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and roughly 45 minutes to bake. That means you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready in about 55 minutes! Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, get your oven warmed up to 375°F (190°C). This is important so that your chicken and rice bake perfectly as soon as they go in!
2. Prepare the Rice Mixture:
In a large baking dish or casserole, combine the rinsed rice, sliced onion, minced garlic, ground turmeric, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
3. Add the Chicken:
Now, place the cubed chicken right on top of the rice mixture. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and rice to help everything cook nicely and add flavor!
4. Pour in the Broth:
Next, carefully pour the chicken broth over the entire mixture in the dish. Make sure the rice is nicely submerged in broth for perfect cooking!
5. Bake it Up:
Cover the baking dish tightly with some foil. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While your meal is baking, let’s whip up that tasty tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, finely grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it’s smooth and tasty. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed!
7. Fluff the Rice:
When the baking time is up, take the dish out of the oven. Carefully remove the foil (watch out for the steam!). Use a fork to fluff the rice gently—this helps mix everything together nicely.
8. Assemble and Serve:
Now, scoop out portions of the chicken and rice onto plates, and add dollops of that delicious tzatziki sauce on top! Garnish with fresh parsley and add some lemon wedges on the side for extra zing!
9. Enjoy!
Serve this warm alongside additional tzatziki and lemon wedges if desired. You can also pair it with a simple salad or pita bread for a cozy meal. Enjoy your delightful and hassle-free dinner!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You’ll need to increase the baking time to about 60-70 minutes, and you may want to add a little extra chicken broth to ensure it cooks properly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the chicken broth you use is labeled gluten-free. The recipe is naturally gluten-free so long as you check your broth!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken and rice mixture ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, use the microwave or warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.
