This dish is a breeze to make! You just dump everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the work. Juicy chicken pairs perfectly with tasty tzatziki rice for a special touch.
No need for fancy tricks here! I love how simple it is—just pop it in the oven while I catch up on my favorite show. Dinner’s ready without the fuss! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the onions. If you’re out, go for vegetable oil or canola oil. They work just as well!
Onion: A medium onion gives a great base flavor. If you’re not a fan, shallots or even leeks can be good substitutes!
Spices: The turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano bring warmth and depth. Can’t find smoked paprika? Regular paprika is fine too; it’ll just lack the smoky flavor.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal because it cooks well and stays fluffy. If you want something healthier, brown rice works, but be aware it needs more liquid and a longer cooking time.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are super convenient. Feel free to swap for rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option, just add it during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Greek Yogurt: This gives the tzatziki its creamy texture. If you prefer vegan options, coconut yogurt would work nicely!
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken and Rice?
To avoid overcooked chicken or undercooked rice, it’s important to follow the steps carefully. Start by mixing your spices well with the chicken and rice to ensure even flavor.
- Make sure to rinse the rice to remove excess starch, helping maintain its texture.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. This traps steam, cooking the rice evenly and keeping the chicken moist.
- Let it rest after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken juicier.
These simple steps can go a long way in making your meal a success! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh if available)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed until water runs clear
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley and oregano, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy and satisfying recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to cook, making it a total of about 55 minutes from start to finish. It’s a fuss-free dish that lets the oven do most of the work while you sit back and relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is essential for ensuring your chicken and rice cook properly.
2. Prepare the Flavor Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, sliced onion, minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. This mixture will create a delicious flavor base for the chicken and rice.
3. Toss in the Rice:
Add the rinsed rice to the flavorful mixture and toss it well so that the rice is coated with the spices and oil. This will enhance every bite!
4. Add the Chicken:
Next, toss in the chicken pieces and mix everything until the chicken is well-coated with the rice and spices. It’s okay to get your hands a little messy here!
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour this entire mixture into a large baking dish and spread it out evenly across the bottom. Carefully pour the chicken broth over the rice and chicken, then drizzle the lemon juice on top.
6. Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
7. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken and rice are baking, take a moment to prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, mint (if using), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
8. Fluff and Rest:
Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let it rest covered for about 5 minutes. After resting, fluff the rice and chicken gently with a fork to combine everything.
9. Serve with Tzatziki:
Dish up the chicken and rice bake on plates, and top it with generous dollops of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley, oregano, and lemon wedges for extra flavor.
10. Enjoy!
Pair your delicious dump and bake chicken with warm pita bread or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
This recipe is quick, comforting, and bursting with flavor! Enjoy your homemade dinner with family or friends!
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires more cooking time and additional liquid. For brown rice, increase the chicken broth to 4 cups and bake for about 50-55 minutes. Make sure to check for doneness!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Absolutely! You can freeze the chicken and rice bake before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking, then follow the original baking instructions.
What Can I Use as a Substitute for Greek Yogurt in the Tzatziki Sauce?
If you’re looking for a substitute for Greek yogurt, you can use regular yogurt, sour cream, or even coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option. Just make sure your substitute has a thick consistency for the best texture in your tzatziki.
