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Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice


  • Author: Velma
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

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

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
    • 1 cup yogurt
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper
  2. Add chicken breasts or thighs and coat well.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
  4. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Base

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent (about 4–5 minutes).
  4. Add minced garlic and dried oregano, stirring for another 30 seconds.
  5. Transfer the onion-garlic mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  6. Add rinsed rice, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

  1. Place the marinated chicken directly on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish.
  2. Cover tightly with foil (or a lid) to seal in moisture.
  3. Bake for 35 minutes.
  4. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
  5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce (While Baking)

  1. Grate the cucumber, squeeze out excess moisture using a kitchen towel.
  2. In a bowl, combine:
    • 1 cup yogurt
    • Grated cucumber
    • Garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill or mint
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. 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