Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a delightful and easy Greek-inspired one-dish meal that combines tender chicken baked over fluffy rice, all topped with a creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, it requires minimal prep and bakes in the oven to meld all the vibrant Mediterranean flavors together.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Rice (fluffy basis for the dish)
- 1 lb Chicken (breasts or thighs, skinless for lighter option)
- 2 cups Chicken Broth (can substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt (low-fat for a healthier alternative)
- 1 medium Cucumber (grated for better consistency)
- 2 cloves Garlic (freshly minced for best flavor)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Dill (can use dried dill or parsley if fresh is unavailable)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (fresh-squeezed for vibrant flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Rice Base: Evenly spread the uncooked rice across the bottom of the greased baking dish, forming a base layer for the chicken and toppings.
- Layer the Chicken: Arrange the skinless chicken pieces over the rice. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Mix the Tzatziki Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Stir until thoroughly blended to create a creamy and tangy topping.
- Assemble the Dish: Spoon the prepared tzatziki mixture evenly over the chicken and rice layers, ensuring good coverage for flavor infusion.
- Add the Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the entire assembly, making sure the rice is completely submerged to allow proper cooking and moisture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, and use vegetable broth.
- Using grated cucumber instead of chopped ensures the tzatziki sauce blends smoothly into the dish.
- Fresh dill is preferred for authentic flavor, but dried dill or parsley can be used as alternatives.
- Ensure the rice is fully covered with broth to avoid dryness during baking.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
