Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

If you love fuss-free, one-pan meals that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen, this Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is for you. Tender chicken breasts bake right on top of fluffy, perfectly cooked rice while a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce infuses the whole dish with fresh, herby flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or meal prep—comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan meal with minimal cleanup
• Tender, juicy chicken and fluffy rice cooked together
• Fresh, tangy tzatziki sauce adds bright flavor
• Quick prep: just 15 minutes of hands-on work
• Customizable with different rice types, herbs, or protein

Ingredients

For the Dish

• 1½ cups long grain white rice (or jasmine/basmati) – forms the perfect fluffy base
• 2½ cups chicken broth or water – keeps rice tender and flavorful
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – juicy protein that bakes perfectly

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt – creamy and tangy base for the sauce
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated – adds freshness and crunch
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – aromatic and savory
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried) – bright herbaceous flavor
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – balances creaminess with citrusy brightness
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – classic Mediterranean flavor
• 1 teaspoon paprika – subtle smokiness and color
• 1 teaspoon salt – enhances all flavors
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – mild heat
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – keeps chicken moist

Optional Garnish

• Fresh dill or parsley
• Lemon wedges

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Mixing bowl for tzatziki sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

Step 1: Prep Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of a large baking dish—this will be the base for your chicken and flavors.

Step 2: Add the Liquid

Pour chicken broth (or water) evenly over the rice. Do not stir—the rice will cook evenly as a layer beneath the chicken.

Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber (squeezed to remove excess water), dill, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry and drizzle with olive oil to keep them moist during baking. Place the chicken directly on top of the rice.

Step 5: Spoon the Sauce

Generously spread the tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast. This sauce infuses flavor and keeps the chicken tender.

Step 6: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50–60 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.

Step 8: Serve

Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the tangy, herby, comforting flavors.

Tips for Success

• Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess water for a creamy tzatziki without excess liquid
• Keep the baking dish covered to ensure rice cooks evenly and chicken stays juicy
• For extra flavor, season the chicken with a pinch of paprika or garlic powder before baking
• Let the dish rest after baking to meld flavors and finish cooking the rice

Recipe Variations

• Brown Rice Version: Use brown rice, adding 3 cups liquid and baking 15–20 minutes longer
• Vegan Option: Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use dairy-free yogurt
• Herb Swap: Try parsley, mint, or cilantro in the tzatziki sauce
• Add Veggies: Mix in peas, diced bell pepper, or zucchini for extra nutrition

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a fresh Greek salad, pita bread, or roasted vegetables for a full Mediterranean-inspired meal. A squeeze of lemon over the top brightens the dish even more.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, jasmine or basmati rice works well. Adjust cooking time for brown rice or other long-grain varieties.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs are juicier and work perfectly for this bake.

How do I prevent the rice from drying out?

Always cover the baking dish with foil and use the proper amount of broth. Let the dish rest after baking to absorb remaining liquid.

Final Thoughts

Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—minimal effort, maximum flavor. Creamy, tangy, and herb-packed, it’s a one-pan meal that’s sure to impress your family or guests. Make it, enjoy it, and watch it quickly become a favorite for easy, flavorful dinners.

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