This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a breeze to make! Just toss everything together and let the oven do the work while you relax.
I love how the chicken stays juicy and the rice soaks up all those yummy flavors. Plus, who doesn’t love a good tzatziki sauce to top it off? It’s a winner at the dinner table! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe. If you don’t have it, feel free to use jasmine or basmati rice, just keep an eye on the cooking time since different rice types may require adjustments.
Chicken: I use chicken breast for its tenderness and quick cooking time. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs can work too, adding more flavor. Just adjust cooking time if using larger pieces.
Turmeric: This spice gives the dish a beautiful color and unique flavor. If you don’t have it, you could substitute it with curry powder for a different twist or omit it if necessary.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is key for the tzatziki sauce! If you’re aiming for lower fat, you can use regular yogurt or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
How Do I Ensure My Rice Turns Out Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the rice in a baking dish gets you fluffy grains without any fuss! Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This helps prevent it from being too sticky.
- When adding the chicken broth and water, pour it slowly over the rice. Don’t stir after pouring; the layers should stay separate until cooked.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil—this helps steam the rice evenly. Check for doneness using a fork; if it’s not quite cooked, cover and return to the oven for a few more minutes.
These steps will ensure your rice is fluffy and flavorful, just like in a restaurant! Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious meal takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 40-45 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need about an hour to relax and enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gets your oven ready for the delicious meal ahead!
2. Combine Ingredients in a Baking Dish:
In a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches), combine the rinsed rice, cut chicken pieces, sliced onion, and minced garlic. Give it a gentle mix to distribute everything evenly.
3. Add Seasonings:
Sprinkle the turmeric, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper over the top. Drizzle with olive oil and the lemon juice to brighten up those flavors!
4. Add Liquid:
Carefully pour the chicken broth and water over the rice mixture. Remember—don’t stir! We want the flavors to meld while it cooks.
5. Bake:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps keep all the steam in. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken and rice are baking, let’s make the tzatziki! In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and pop it in the fridge to chill.
7. Fluff and Finish:
When the baking time is up, remove the dish from the oven and carefully take off the foil. Fluff the rice and chicken mixture with a fork to mix everything nicely.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the chicken and rice onto plates, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Top each plate with a generous dollop of chilled tzatziki sauce. Yum!
9. Add Sides:
If you’d like, enjoy with some warm pita bread and a fresh vegetable salad for a complete meal.
And there you have it! A simple, tasty, and healthy weeknight dinner. Enjoy every bite! 🍽️
FAQ about Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can! If you choose brown rice, just be aware that it will need a longer cooking time—around 50-60 minutes. You may also need to increase the liquid slightly, as brown rice absorbs more moisture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free chicken broth. All other ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but double-check labels to be safe!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything in the baking dish up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist if needed.
