This dish is a breeze to put together and bursting with flavor! Juicy chicken bakes up perfectly with a refreshing tzatziki sauce, paired with creamy rice for a delightful meal.
I love how I can just dump everything in the pan and let the oven do the work. It’s like magic! Perfect for busy nights or when your fridge is looking a bit bare. 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless is my go-to for convenience, but chicken thighs are juicy and can be used for extra flavor. They just need a slightly longer cook time.
Rice: I love using basmati for its fluffy texture, but jasmine rice works too! If you need a gluten-free option, try quinoa or cauliflower rice as a lighter alternative.
Greek Yogurt: It gives the tzatziki that creamy texture. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, regular yogurt will work, but it will be a bit thinner. You could also try dairy-free yogurt if needed.
Cucumber: Fresh cucumbers are best, but you could substitute with zucchini in a pinch. Just make sure to squeeze out the moisture!
Why is Rinsing the Rice So Important?
Rinsing rice removes excess starch, which can make it gummy. This step ensures your rice comes out fluffy and not sticky! Here’s how to do it:
- Place rice in a fine mesh strainer.
- Rinse under cold running water, stirring it gently with your fingers.
- Keep rinsing until the water runs clear, then let it drain for a minute.
This simple step can make a big difference in the final dish, giving you perfect rice to pair with your chicken and tzatziki!
How Do I Know When the Chicken is Fully Cooked?
Cooking chicken can be tricky since undercooked chicken can be unsafe. To check for doneness:
- Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part of the chicken.
Let your chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps keep it juicy!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long grain rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes roughly 10 minutes of prep time and about 30-40 minutes of cooking time. You’ll be serving up a delicious meal in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will get things nice and hot for baking your chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a baking dish, place the chicken breasts. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle over the minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Finally, lay the lemon slices on top of the chicken to infuse some flavor as it cooks.
3. Add the Liquid:
Pour the chicken broth or water into the baking dish around the chicken. This will help keep the chicken moist and cook the rice later on!
4. Bake the Chicken:
Bake the chicken uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Cook the Rice:
While the chicken is baking, rinse the rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Then, in a pot, bring the chicken broth (or water) and salt to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined, and then pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken and rice are ready, plate the chicken alongside a serving of rice. Spoon the tzatziki sauce over the top or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra dill or lemon wedges if you like!
And that’s it! Enjoy your delicious Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice! 🌟
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
How Can I Adjust This Recipe for Meal Prep?
This dish is great for meal prep! You can make the chicken and rice ahead of time, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. Tzatziki can also be made in advance and stored separately.
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt for the Tzatziki?
No problem! You can substitute regular yogurt, just be aware that it will be a bit thinner. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based yogurt that is thick and creamy to achieve a similar texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate the tzatziki sauce to keep it fresh. Reheat the chicken and rice gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
