This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice is a winner! You just toss everything in a dish and let the oven do the magic. Juicy chicken with creamy tzatziki and fluffy rice make each bite delicious!
I love how simple this recipe is. It’s perfect for busy days when I want to enjoy a tasty meal without the fuss. And hey, who doesn’t enjoy eating something that looks fancy but was easy to make? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to cook quickly and absorb flavors well. If you prefer, you can substitute with thighs for a juicier result.
Cherry Tomatoes: These sweet little tomatoes burst with flavor when roasted. If they’re unavailable, feel free to replace them with diced regular tomatoes or even bell peppers.
Red Onion: Red onion adds sweetness and color. Yellow or white onions will work too, giving a similar flavor but a slightly different look.
Greek Yogurt: Essential for tzatziki, Greek yogurt gives creaminess. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use almond or coconut yogurt instead.
Cucumber: For tzatziki, the cucumber adds crunch. If you don’t have one, grated zucchini also does the job!
How Do I Ensure My Rice is Perfectly Cooked?
A common challenge with any rice dish is making sure it’s cooked just right. Here’s how to nail it:
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch. This helps it be fluffy, not gummy.
- When you add the broth, give it a gentle stir so the rice is evenly spread.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap steam. This ensures that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.
Check if your rice is tender after 40 minutes. If it’s not quite ready, cover and let it bake a bit longer!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long grain rice (like basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of salt
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to bake, making a total time of around 1 hour. Simply prepare and pop it in the oven – no fuss, no hassle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be hot and ready by the time you finish prepping the dish!
2. Prepare the Chicken and Veggies:
In a large baking dish, lay the chicken breasts flat. Surround them with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, minced garlic, and fresh lemon slices.
3. Season the Ingredients:
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and veggies. Then sprinkle the oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly across the dish to season everything well.
4. Add the Rice:
Pour the rice evenly around the chicken and vegetables in the dish. Now, add chicken broth or water over the rice, ensuring it’s fully submerged for perfectly cooked rice.
5. Cover and Bake:
Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
6. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken is baking, prepare your tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once the baking time is up, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Gently fluff the rice with a fork so it’s nice and fluffy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the baked chicken and rice, adding a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on top or serve it on the side. Enjoy your delicious and effortless meal!
Enjoy your effortless and flavorful Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice! 🎉
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time (about 45-50 minutes) and may need a little extra liquid. Check for doneness, and adjust the water and baking time as needed.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt in the Tzatziki Sauce?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt, but the sauce may be a bit thinner. For a dairy-free option, try using unsweetened almond or coconut yogurt instead!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep the rice moist.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just ensure that they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking!
