Description
This Dump And Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice recipe offers an effortless, flavorful one-dish meal that combines tender oven-baked chicken, aromatic rice cooked in chicken broth, and a creamy, fresh homemade tzatziki sauce. The dish is simple to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with a Mediterranean twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Long Grain White Rice (Jasmine or basmati rice are great alternatives.)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (Or water for a less savory option.)
- 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Skinless thighs are a tasty substitute.)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Drizzled on chicken for a golden crust.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Essential for flavor.)
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt (Or dairy-free yogurt for a lighter option.)
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh garlic infuses robust flavor.)
- 1 cup Grated Cucumber (Squeeze out excess moisture.)
- 2 tablespoons Dill (Fresh preferred over dried.)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Brightens the sauce.)
- 1 teaspoon Oregano (Can mix up with Italian seasoning.)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (Enhances flavor profile.)
Garnish & Substitutes
- 1 cup Cucumber Substitute (Diced zucchini or bell pepper work.)
- Additional fresh dill or parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preparation Steps: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get your ingredients ready for assembly.
- Arrange Rice: Evenly spread the uncooked rice into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form a bed for the chicken and liquids.
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth (or water, if preferred) directly over the rice without stirring, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid as it bakes.
- Make Tzatziki Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber (with excess water squeezed out), fresh dill, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels, then drizzle olive oil over them to promote browning and crisping in the oven.
- Assemble Dish: Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice in the baking dish. Generously spread the prepared tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast to infuse the dish with vibrant flavor.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and ensure even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and rice is tender.
- Rest: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest, covered, for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Garnish with additional fresh dill or parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Notes
- Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- If you prefer a less rich sauce, opt for dairy-free or low-fat yogurt alternatives.
- Squeeze excess moisture from the grated cucumber to prevent a watery tzatziki sauce.
- Adjust the paprika amount to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Make sure to cover the dish tightly to ensure the rice cooks evenly and remains moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Chicken, Tzatziki, Rice, Baked Chicken, Mediterranean Recipe, One-Dish Meal, Easy Dinner, Greek Yogurt Sauce
