Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a no-fuss Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings together juicy chicken, creamy tzatziki, and fluffy rice in one baking dish. With minimal prep and bold, refreshing flavors, it’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner. Just toss everything together, bake, and enjoy a comforting meal with tangy yogurt, cucumber, and lemony herbs.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breasts or thighsuncooked long-grain white ricechicken brothtzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)olive oillemon juicedried oreganogarlic powdersalt and peppercherry tomatoes (optional)feta cheese (optional)cucumber slices and fresh dill for garnish

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in half of the tzatziki sauce.

Season the chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice mixture.

Spoon the remaining tzatziki sauce over the chicken.

Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken if using.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Remove foil and check if the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/74°C).

If needed, bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.

Sprinkle with crumbled feta, cucumber slices, and fresh dill before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 45-60 minutesTotal time: 55-70 minutes

Variations

Use boneless skinless thighs for extra juicy meat.

Add kalamata olives or artichokes for more Mediterranean flair.

Try with brown rice, adjusting the baking time and liquid accordingly.

Stir in spinach or chopped zucchini for added vegetables.

Top with a drizzle of extra tzatziki before serving.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep the rice moist.

FAQs

Can I use instant rice?

No, instant rice will overcook and become mushy. Use uncooked long-grain rice.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

What’s the best tzatziki to use?

Either homemade or high-quality store-bought tzatziki works great.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended as the tzatziki sauce may separate. Fresh is best.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute the tzatziki with a dairy-free yogurt-based alternative.

What vegetables go well with this?

Tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach all pair well.

Can I add more protein?

Yes, add chickpeas or serve with a side of hummus for more protein.

Is it spicy?

No, it’s mild and family-friendly, but you can add crushed red pepper for heat.

Do I need to rinse the rice?

Rinsing helps prevent clumping, but it’s optional.

Conclusion

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is the definition of easy comfort food with a Mediterranean twist. Bursting with flavor and ready in under an hour with almost no cleanup, this dish is ideal for busy nights or lazy weekends. One pan, tons of flavor—definitely a recipe worth repeating.