Description
This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is the ultimate one-dish Greek-style dinner—layered with marinated chicken, fluffy rice, and homemade tzatziki.
Ingredients
Scale
1. For the Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
2. For the Rice Base
- 2 cups long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
3. For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 small cucumber, grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or mint
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper
- Add chicken breasts or thighs and coat well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
- Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Base
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent (about 4–5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and dried oregano, stirring for another 30 seconds.
- Transfer the onion-garlic mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add rinsed rice, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Place the marinated chicken directly on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish.
- Cover tightly with foil (or a lid) to seal in moisture.
- Bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce (While Baking)
- Grate the cucumber, squeeze out excess moisture using a kitchen towel.
- In a bowl, combine:
- 1 cup yogurt
- Grated cucumber
- Garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill or mint
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 5: Serve
- Spoon the baked chicken and rice onto plates or bowls.
- Drizzle generously with chilled tzatziki sauce.
- Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh dill, or a few cucumber slices if desired.
- Serve with warm pita bread or roasted veggies on the side.
Notes
- Warm chicken broth before adding it to the dish for faster and more even cooking.
- Avoid using instant or parboiled rice, as it can become mushy or overcooked.
- Boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative to breasts—they stay juicy and flavorful.
- For a dairy-free version, swap in plant-based yogurt and a dairy-free tzatziki sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg