Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a simple yet flavorful one-dish meal that combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts baked over a bed of fluffy rice infused with savory chicken broth. Topped with creamy tzatziki sauce and fresh garnishes like diced cucumbers, parsley, and lemon wedges, this recipe offers Greek-inspired flavors with minimal prep and easy cleanup, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Diced cucumbers, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken and rice mixture evenly.
- Prepare the Rice Base: Spread the uncooked rice evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the chicken broth (or water) over the rice to hydrate it during baking.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with garlic powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper to infuse the meat with Mediterranean flavors.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice in the baking dish. Spoon the tzatziki sauce evenly over each piece of chicken to add creamy tanginess during cooking.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, and bake for 35 minutes to allow the rice to cook and the chicken to start baking through.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice becomes tender with slight browning on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Garnish with diced cucumbers, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness and added texture.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with water, but broth adds more flavor to the rice.
- Use any tzatziki sauce you prefer, whether store-bought or homemade.
- Check the internal temperature of chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure the tzatziki sauce and chicken broth have no added gluten-containing ingredients.
