Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a hassle-free, Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Everything bakes together in one dish—juicy chicken, fluffy rice, tangy tzatziki, and fresh herbs—no pre-cooking required. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

ingredients

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighslong grain white rice (uncooked)chicken broth or waterstore-bought or homemade tzatziki sauceolive oilsalt and peppergarlic powderdried dill or oreganolemon zest and juice (optional for brightness)cucumber (diced, optional for topping)fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)

directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Add uncooked rice to the bottom of the dish and pour chicken broth evenly over it.

Season chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Lay chicken on top of the rice.

Spread tzatziki sauce generously over the chicken.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.

Remove foil, sprinkle with lemon juice and zest if using, and broil for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the top.

Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with diced cucumber and fresh herbs before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 45-50 minutesTotal time: 55-60 minutes

Variations

Use brown rice and increase baking time by 15-20 minutes.

Add spinach or chopped bell peppers for extra veggies.

Top with crumbled feta or kalamata olives for a Greek twist.

Swap chicken for salmon or chickpeas for a different protein.

Use Greek yogurt mixed with lemon and dill if you don’t have tzatziki.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep rice moist.This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the yogurt-based sauce.

FAQs

Can I use instant rice?

No, it will overcook—stick with long grain or jasmine rice.

Do I need to sear the chicken first?

No, everything bakes together—no pre-cooking required.

What’s in tzatziki sauce?

Tzatziki is made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, and herbs like dill or mint.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s mild and family-friendly—add chili flakes if you want heat.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free tzatziki or yogurt alternative.

Do I have to use foil?

Yes, it traps steam so the rice cooks properly—remove it at the end for browning.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s best to serve with it?

Pair with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Thaw it first so the rice and chicken cook evenly.

Does the rice get mushy?

No, it turns out fluffy if you use the correct ratio and baking time.

Conclusion

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is an easy, flavorful dish that brings Mediterranean comfort straight to your dinner table—without the fuss. With tender chicken, creamy tzatziki, and perfectly cooked rice all baked in one dish, it’s a satisfying meal that saves time and dishes. A fresh, delicious favorite you’ll make again and again!