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Baked chicken tzatziki rice dish served in a colorful bowl with fresh ingredients.

Dump And Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice for Effortless Flavor

A comforting, Greek-inspired one-pan bake featuring tender chicken and flavorful rice, topped with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the rice base
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice Jasmine or basmati are excellent alternatives
  • 4 cups chicken broth Use low-sodium if preferred
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust if your broth is already salted
For the chicken
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Substitute with skinless chicken thighs for richer flavor
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil To coat chicken for a golden finish
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Italian seasoning can be used as an alternative
For the tzatziki-style topping
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt Substitute with dairy-free yogurt for non-dairy option
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh is best for punchy flavor
  • 1 cup grated cucumber Squeeze out excess moisture
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped Dried can be used in a pinch
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Freshly squeezed for brightness
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For garnish and extra freshness
  • 1 cup diced cucumber Can substitute with diced zucchini or bell pepper
  • Extra dill sprigs or lemon wedges For serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your 9x13 baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
  3. Spread the rinsed rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and add salt and pepper. Do not stir.
  5. Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  6. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice.
Cooking
  1. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 8-12 minutes until chicken is cooked.
  3. Check the chicken with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Finishing Touch
  1. Let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes.
  2. Prepare the tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Fluff the rice with a fork, slice the chicken, and serve with tzatziki on top.

Notes

For best texture and flavor, rinse the rice and squeeze excess moisture from the grated cucumber before making tzatziki. Adjust bake times according to chicken type used.