✅ One-pan
✅ Mediterranean flavors
✅ Creamy, fresh, and weeknight-easy
Introduction
If you love meals that are fresh, creamy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy, this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is going straight into your weeknight rotation. It takes everything everyone loves about Greek chicken — tender meat, cool tzatziki sauce, herbs, lemon, and olive oil — and turns it into a single baking dish meal that requires no sautéing, no browning, no complicated prep.
Just dump the ingredients, stir, cover, bake — and come back to a fragrant dish of juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy Greek-inspired sauce with bright, herb-filled flavor. It’s comfort and freshness wrapped into one.
This dinner tastes impressive and restaurant-like, but it uses everyday fridge ingredients and minimal effort. Exactly what weeknights are made for.
Ingredients List
For the Casserole
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 lbs (700g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain)
- 1/2 cup store-bought tzatziki (or more yogurt + grated cucumber + garlic)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional but great)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Mix-ins & Toppings (Optional but delicious)
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon wedges
Timing
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Bake Time | 45–50 minutes |
| Rest Time | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | ~55 minutes |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Build the Base
In the baking dish, add:
- Uncooked rice
- Chicken broth
Stir to distribute evenly.
Step 3: Layer the Chicken
Place chicken pieces on top of the rice.
Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Greek yogurt
- Tzatziki
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic powder
- Oregano
- Cumin
- Salt & pepper
Pour over the chicken.
Do not stir — letting it sit on top keeps rice from getting soupy.
Step 5: Bake
Cover tightly with foil.
Bake 45–50 minutes, until:
- Rice is cooked
- Chicken is tender
- Liquid is absorbed
Remove from oven and rest 5 minutes.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
Top with:
- Chopped parsley or dill
- Crumbled feta
- Fresh cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- A squeeze of lemon
Serve warm.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~470 kcal |
| Protein | 38g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Carbs | 42g |
Healthier Alternatives
| Goal | Swap |
|---|---|
| Lower Carb | Replace rice with cauliflower rice and bake only 25 minutes |
| Lower Fat | Use low-fat yogurt and skip olive oil |
| Dairy-Free | Use coconut yogurt + drizzle tahini instead of tzatziki |
| Higher Protein | Add chickpeas before baking |
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- A fresh Greek salad
- Warm pita or naan
- Roasted zucchini or eggplant
- Garlic sautéed spinach
It’s also amazing as meal prep — reheats beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Rice turns mushy | Use long-grain rice, not instant or short-grain |
| Rice undercooked | Make sure dish is tightly covered during baking |
| Sauce breaks | Use full-fat Greek yogurt for best stability |
| Chicken dries out | Thighs are most forgiving — but breasts work too |
Storing Tips
- Refrigerate: 3–4 days
- Freeze: 1–2 months (freeze without cucumber toppings)
- Reheat: Low heat covered, with a splash of broth if needed
Conclusion
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is creamy, bright, and satisfying — yet unbelievably easy. It delivers the fresh flavors of Greek cooking in a no-hassle, one-dish format that fits perfectly into busy life.
Make it once — and you’ll make it again and again.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice?
Yes — but increase bake time to 65–75 minutes, and add 1/2 cup extra broth.
2. Can I use cooked rice instead?
Yes — skip the broth, reduce yogurt by 1/4 cup, and bake only 25 minutes.
3. Is homemade tzatziki required?
No — store-bought works perfectly and saves time.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — use a larger baking dish and increase bake time by 5–10 minutes.
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