Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy yet flavorful one-pan meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste, this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is the perfect choice. Combining tender chicken, creamy Greek yogurt, and the fresh, tangy flavors of tzatziki, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it’s made with simple ingredients that come together effortlessly, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: you essentially “dump” all the ingredients into a casserole dish, bake, and voila! The rice absorbs all the delicious flavors from the chicken, tzatziki, and seasonings, creating a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or impressing guests at a dinner party, this chicken tzatziki casserole will leave everyone coming back for seconds. So let’s dive in and learn how to make this easy and flavorful dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless to Prepare

With just a few simple steps, this dish comes together in no time. Simply dump the ingredients into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen.

this …

2. Tastes Like Tzatziki

If you’re a fan of the refreshing, creamy flavors of tzatziki, you’ll love this recipe. The combination of Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, and lemon adds a delicious twist to your classic chicken and rice casserole.

3. One-Pan Wonder

No need to dirty up multiple pans or bowls. Everything cooks together in one casserole dish, making both preparation and cleanup a breeze.

4. Customizable

This recipe is versatile! You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste, such as using different herbs or adding in extra vegetables or toppings.

5. Family-Friendly

With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and comforting rice base, this dish is perfect for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies, like the grated cucumber, without anyone noticing.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• Chicken broth or water
• Plain Greek yogurt
• Grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Dried dill (or fresh dill, chopped)
• Dried oregano
• Ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper
• Lemon juice
• Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Variations

Protein Alternatives

You can swap the chicken for other proteins, like ground turkey, lamb, or even shrimp for a seafood twist. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the protein you choose.

Vegan Version

For a vegan alternative, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt. You can also omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free version.

Add More Vegetables

Incorporate additional veggies like spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers to make the dish even more nutritious and colorful.

Spice it Up

If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the dish for a spicy kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Rice

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large casserole dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth (or water), and bite-sized pieces of chicken.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, minced garlic, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Add the lemon juice and mix again.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Pour the tzatziki sauce over the chicken and rice mixture in the casserole dish. Stir everything together until the chicken and rice are evenly coated with the sauce. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and fluff the rice with a fork. Top the casserole with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure to squeeze out excess water from the cucumber before adding it to the sauce to avoid making the tzatziki too watery.
• Check the rice for doneness before serving. If the rice isn’t quite tender yet, cover the dish with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
• For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the tzatziki sauce for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking.
• For a creamier texture, you can add a bit more Greek yogurt or even a splash of heavy cream to the sauce mixture.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice – it’s essential for bringing out the freshness in the dish.

How to Serve

This dish is a complete meal on its own, with protein, carbs, and vegetables all in one dish. You can serve it alongside a fresh green salad with a lemony vinaigrette, or pair it with some roasted vegetables for a heartier meal. For an added touch, you can drizzle extra tzatziki on top before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container for optimal freshness. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a little splash of chicken broth if necessary to loosen the rice and sauce.

Freezing

You can also freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and place it in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Add a bit of extra chicken broth or water if the rice has dried out.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time. Add more liquid (broth or water) and adjust the baking time accordingly.

2. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or thawed chicken for this recipe, as frozen chicken may release excess water during baking, affecting the texture of the dish.

3. Can I make this dish without feta cheese?

Yes, the feta cheese is optional. You can skip it for a dairy-free version or substitute with a vegan cheese.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, include some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños in the casserole.

5. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Simply assemble everything, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.

6. What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular yogurt, sour cream, or even a dairy-free yogurt for a non-dairy version.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use certified gluten-free ingredients.

8. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, or tomatoes to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.

9. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken?

Bone-in chicken will work, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

10. Can I cook this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

Conclusion

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a simple yet flavorful meal that requires little effort but delivers big on taste. Whether you’re in a hurry or planning ahead for busy days, this one-pan dish makes cooking and cleaning up easier than ever. The combination of tender chicken, tangy tzatziki sauce, and fluffy rice is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal fuss!

Print