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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a simple, one-pan Mediterranean-inspired meal featuring tender chicken, fragrant long-grain rice, and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, delivering vibrant fresh flavors and comforting textures in every bite.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless)
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 medium cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Rice: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a large baking dish. Place the chicken pieces in the dish and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Scatter the minced garlic around the chicken and evenly pour the rice into the spaces between the chicken.
  2. Add Broth and Bake: Pour the chicken broth over the rice to cook and infuse flavor. Drizzle olive oil over the top for browning and moisture. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
  3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken and rice bake, grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a clean cloth. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside to let flavors meld.
  4. Combine and Serve: Once baking is complete, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Serve the chicken and rice hot, generously topped with the cool, creamy tzatziki sauce for a refreshing and flavorful contrast.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor and juiciness.
  • Let the tzatziki chill to balance flavors before serving.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly to ensure even cooking and moist rice.
  • If using brown rice, increase broth quantity and cooking time accordingly.
  • Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: chicken, tzatziki, bake, one-pan meal, Mediterranean, easy dinner, family-friendly, gluten-free