Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

If you love Greek flavors but hate spending hours in the kitchen, this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice recipe is a total game-changer. With just one baking dish and minimal prep, you’ll enjoy the refreshing tang of tzatziki combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice. It’s wholesome, hearty, and bursting with Mediterranean flair—ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep days.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1½ cups chicken broth or water
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ⅓ cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess moisture)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried dill (or 2 tsp fresh dill)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

Optional Garnish:

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Build the Base

In the baking dish, mix together:

• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth (or water)
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Dill, oregano, cumin
• Salt and pepper

Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Add the Chicken & Tzatziki

• Evenly spread the chicken pieces over the rice mixture.
• In a bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice.
• Pour the tzatziki mixture over the chicken and gently spread with a spoon.

Step 4: Bake

• Cover the dish tightly with foil.
• Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Top and Finish

• Remove foil and sprinkle feta cheese on top (optional).
• Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese slightly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Let rest for 5 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
• Serve warm with a Greek salad or pita bread on the side.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with canned chickpeas or roasted cauliflower for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice for cauliflower rice—reduce the broth by half and adjust baking time to avoid mushy texture.
• Add Veggies: Stir in diced zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers before baking for extra nutrients.
• Extra Creamy: Add a few spoonfuls of cream cheese to the yogurt mix for an ultra-creamy texture.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead, portion into lunch containers, and top with fresh herbs just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is comfort food without the fuss. The Greek-inspired yogurt sauce infuses the dish with brightness while the chicken and rice become juicy and flavorful as they bake together. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals for the week, this is a wholesome dish you’ll return to again and again.

The Goods

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

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Easy dump-and-bake recipe combining creamy tzatziki, juicy chicken, and fluffy rice. A healthy, one-pan Mediterranean dinner!

Course Chicken, Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Meal Prep, Rice

Cuisine American, Greek

Recipes

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
• 1½ cups chicken broth or water
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ⅓ cup grated cucumber squeeze out excess moisture
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tsp dried dill or 2 tsp fresh dill
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

Optional Garnish:

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.

Step 2: Build the Base

• In the baking dish, mix together:
• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth (or water)
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Dill, oregano, cumin
• Salt and pepper
• Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Add the Chicken & Tzatziki

• Evenly spread the chicken pieces over the rice mixture.
• In a bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice.
• Pour the tzatziki mixture over the chicken and gently spread with a spoon.

Step 4: Bake

• Cover the dish tightly with foil.
• Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Top and Finish

• Remove foil and sprinkle feta cheese on top (optional).
• Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese slightly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Let rest for 5 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
• Serve warm with a Greek salad or pita bread on the side.