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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

4.9 from 17 reviews

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, creamy Greek yogurt, and fluffy rice in a comforting casserole. With minimal prep work and hands-on time, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Casserole:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water

Tzatziki Mixture:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In the baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, olive oil, garlic, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
  4. Add Chicken: Arrange the chicken pieces evenly over the rice mixture.
  5. Make Tzatziki Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice. Pour the yogurt mixture evenly over the chicken and rice.
  6. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
  7. Add Cheese: Remove foil, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top if desired, and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving. Let sit for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Serve warm with salad or pita bread.

Notes

  • You can customize this recipe by adding other Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
  • Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice, One-Pot Chicken and Rice, Easy Tzatziki Chicken Casserole