7 Deliciously Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipes

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There’s something magical about pulling a full, flavorful meal from the oven—especially when all it took was 10 minutes of prep time and zero extra dishes. If you’re looking for a dinner that practically cooks itself but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is going to be your new favorite go-to. The moment you take your first bite of the creamy, herby tzatziki-spiked rice paired with tender chicken, you’ll understand why we’re so obsessed!

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What Is Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice?

This is a one-dish wonder that brings the fresh and tangy Greek flavors of tzatziki sauce—think garlic, lemon, dill, and creamy yogurt—into a comforting baked casserole. The raw ingredients are all combined in a single dish and baked together until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender. No stovetop. No sautéing. Just dump, bake, and enjoy.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously easy: Truly a one-dish, no-fuss meal.

• Fresh and flavorful: All the brightness of tzatziki with the comfort of a baked casserole.

• Family-friendly: Mild, creamy, and balanced flavors appeal to all ages.

• Meal-prep friendly: Make it ahead and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.

• Balanced meal: With protein, carbs, and healthy fats, it’s a full dinner in one dish.

What Does It Taste Like?

It’s like if your favorite Greek gyro plate decided to cuddle up in a cozy casserole. The rice soaks up all the savory chicken juices and herb-spiked yogurt, making every bite creamy and full of flavor. The lemon adds brightness, while the garlic and herbs give it that unmistakable Mediterranean flair. Add a sprinkle of feta on top, and you’ve got yourself a weeknight winner!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious dish:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)

• 1½ cups chicken broth or water

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• ⅓ cup grated cucumber, water squeezed out

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 tsp fresh dill)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Juice of 1 lemon

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Mixing bowls

• Aluminum foil

• Whisk or fork

• Spoon or spatula

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

• Use store-bought tzatziki in place of the yogurt mixture for an ultra-quick version.

• Swap rice: Try jasmine rice for extra aroma or brown rice (just bake longer and use more liquid).

• Add chopped spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra veg power.

• Go dairy-free with a plant-based yogurt and skip the feta.

• Add kalamata olives or roasted red peppers for a briny, savory twist.

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In your baking dish, stir together the uncooked rice, chicken broth (or water), olive oil, garlic, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Layer the Chicken and Yogurt

Evenly distribute the chicken pieces over the rice.
In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice. Spoon this tzatziki mixture over the top and gently spread it out.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temp).

Step 5: Add Toppings

Remove foil and sprinkle on the feta (if using). Bake 5 more minutes uncovered to let the cheese soften.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let it rest for 5 minutes to soak in all that flavor. Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve!

What to Serve With It

This dish is already packed with flavor and nutrition, but here are some fresh serving ideas:

• Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and vinaigrette

• Toasted pita or naan bread for scooping

• Steamed green beans or asparagus for extra greens

• Chilled tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping

Tips for Success

• Squeeze the cucumber: Too much water will water down the sauce!

• Use chicken thighs if you want an even juicier result.

• Don’t peek while baking—keeping the foil sealed ensures perfect rice.

• Taste and season before serving. A little extra lemon or salt at the end can really brighten things up.

How to Store It

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze individual portions (minus any fresh herbs) for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F, covered, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 Can I Prep This Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble everything up to Step 3 (before baking), cover it, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready for dinner—so easy for busy nights!

 Will the Yogurt Curdle During Baking?

No worries here! The yogurt stays creamy and smooth as long as the dish is covered while baking. The low, gentle heat prevents any curdling.

 Can I Substitute Brown Rice?

Yes, but brown rice needs extra liquid and a longer cook time—up to 50 minutes. Make sure to check for tenderness before removing it from the oven.

 Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

It sure is! Just make sure your chicken broth and any added seasonings are certified gluten-free.

 Can I Freeze the Leftovers?

Absolutely! Once cooled, store portions in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.

 Can I Use Store-Bought Tzatziki?

Yes, for a shortcut! Use about 1 cup of store-bought tzatziki and thin it slightly with lemon juice or water so it spreads easily.

 Can I Use Leftover Cooked Chicken?

You can! Stir the cooked chicken into the rice and broth mixture before baking. Reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes since the chicken is already cooked.

 Do I Have to Use Feta?

Not at all. It’s optional! You can skip it or replace it with goat cheese, shredded mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.

 Can I Make This Vegetarian?

Yes! Just swap the chicken for chickpeas or canned white beans, and use veggie broth instead of chicken broth. It’s hearty and delicious even without meat!

Conclusion

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is everything we love in a weeknight dinner—simple, nourishing, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or serving a Mediterranean-themed dinner, this dish shines bright without any extra stress. The fresh herbs, creamy yogurt, and perfectly cooked rice create an irresistible combo that’s anything but boring!!

And if you’re into globally inspired one-pan dinners, don’t miss these other gems:

• 7 Reasons to Love Chicken Stifado with Artichokes and Kalamata Olives – deeply savory and soul-warming

• Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce – vibrant, spicy, and totally addictive

• Skillet Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Cheddar Orzo – creamy, comforting, and cheesy in all the right ways

Join the Conversation!

Made this recipe? I’d love to see your photos! Share your creation on Pinterest and tag me @recipesbysylvia. It seriously makes my day to see how these recipes come to life in your kitchens. Leave a comment, share a tip, or let me know what you served it with!

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 380

• Protein: 32g

• Carbs: 32g

• Fat: 15g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 3g

• Sodium: 480mg

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