Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

Featured in Center of the plate recipes.

Need a fuss-free dinner that's packed with flavor? This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice is your answer. What makes it special is how everything cooks together in one pan - the chicken gets tender and flavorful while the rice soaks up all the amazing Mediterranean seasonings. The grated zucchini adds moisture and sneaks in some extra veggies, while the combination of fresh and dried herbs gives it that authentic Greek restaurant taste. It's perfect for busy weeknights since there's minimal prep - just marinate the chicken while the oven preheats, dump everything in a pan, and let it bake. Top it with cooling tzatziki sauce and fresh herbs, and you've got a complete meal that feels special but requires very little effort.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sat, 18 Jan 2025 11:56:43 GMT
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice pin it
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice | myhomemaderecipe.com

When Mediterranean flavors meet the convenience of a one-dish meal, magic happens. This dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki with rice transforms simple ingredients into an aromatic feast, where tender chicken rests on a bed of perfectly cooked rice, all infused with warm spices and finished with cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. The genius lies in how the chicken marinates as it bakes, releasing its flavors into the rice below, while the covered cooking method ensures everything stays perfectly moist.

Through countless tests, I've discovered that allowing the chicken to marinate briefly before baking makes a remarkable difference in the final flavor. What started as a quick weeknight dinner has become one of our favorite ways to bring Mediterranean flavors to the table.

Essential Ingredients Selection

  • Chicken: Choose uniformly-sized breasts or thighs about 6-8 ounces each. Look for meat with a pink color and no dark spots. If using breasts, choose pieces of even thickness or gently pound them
  • Rice: Long-grain white rice is crucial here - its structure allows it to absorb liquid while maintaining distinct grains. Look for rice that appears translucent rather than chalky
  • Spices: Fresh, aromatic spices make all the difference. Toast whole spices and grind them yourself when possible, especially the cumin and smoked paprika which provide the foundation flavors

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Marination Process:
Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels. Combine lemon juice and olive oil first. Add herbs and spices to liquid mixture. Whisk until spices are evenly distributed. Pour over chicken in shallow dish. Turn pieces to coat evenly. Let rest at room temperature 30 minutes. During this time, prepare other ingredients.
The Perfect Rice Foundation:
Rinse rice until water runs almost clear. Drain rice thoroughly in fine-mesh strainer. Spread rice evenly in baking dish. Add grated zucchini if using. Pour warm broth around edges. Season broth layer with pinch of salt. Ensure rice is submerged completely. Create slight wells for chicken placement.
Assembly and Baking Process:
Position oven rack in middle. Preheat oven thoroughly to 350°F. Place marinated chicken pieces over rice. Space evenly for consistent cooking. Pour remaining marinade over top. Cover tightly with double layer of foil. Create complete seal around edges. Place dish on baking sheet for stability.
The Final Stages:
Check chicken at 35 minutes. Rice should be almost tender. Temperature should reach 165°F. Let rest covered for 10 minutes. Fluff rice gently with fork. Add tzatziki in dollops. Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve with extra sauce on side.
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe pin it
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

My first attempt at this dish came from a craving for Greek flavors combined with the need for an easy dinner solution. Through trial and error, I discovered that the dump-and-bake method actually created better flavor integration than traditional preparation methods.

Temperature and Timing Management

The key to perfect results lies in maintaining consistent oven temperature and resisting the urge to peek during cooking. Each time the foil is lifted, precious steam escapes, affecting the rice's texture.

Creating the Perfect Finish

The final presentation matters as much as the cooking process. I've learned to add tzatziki in dollops rather than spreading it, creating pockets of creamy coolness that contrast beautifully with the warm, spiced rice and chicken.

Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe pin it
Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

This dish has become my go-to recipe for introducing friends to Mediterranean flavors. The way the spices perfume the kitchen as it bakes, how the rice absorbs all those wonderful flavors, and the cool contrast of the tzatziki - it's a complete experience that brings a touch of Greece to your dinner table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
No, this recipe is specifically designed for long grain white rice. Brown rice requires different liquid ratios and cooking times and won't work as a direct substitute.
→ Why is it important to use smoked paprika?
Smoked paprika adds that characteristic charred flavor that you'd typically get from grilled souvlaki or shawarma. Regular paprika won't give you the same authentic taste.
→ Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken with the herbs and spices up to 8 hours ahead in the refrigerator, but don't add the rice and liquid until you're ready to bake.
→ What if my rice isn't cooked after 40 minutes?
Different pans and ovens can affect cooking time. If the rice isn't tender, cover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
→ Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep the rice from drying out, and add fresh tzatziki when serving.

Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake

This one-pan Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice combines Mediterranean flavors with tender chicken and fluffy rice for an effortless dinner.

Prep Time
40 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
80 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-size pieces
02 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
03 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 1½ cups)
04 2 cups chicken broth

→ Marinade Base

05 2 tablespoons lemon juice
06 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Fresh Herbs

07 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or ½ teaspoon dried)
08 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon dried)
09 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried)

→ Seasonings

10 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt
12 ½ teaspoon cumin
13 ½ teaspoon onion powder
14 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
15 ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
16 ¼ teaspoon turmeric
17 ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

→ For Serving

18 Tzatziki sauce
19 Pita bread
20 Fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or chives)
21 Fresh lemon

Instructions

Step 01

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 02

In the prepared dish, combine chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, and all herbs and spices. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 375°F.

Step 03

Add the uncooked rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth to the pan with the marinated chicken. Stir everything together well.

Step 04

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed. If needed, bake 5-10 minutes longer.

Step 05

Fluff the rice with a fork, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve topped with tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

  1. Only use long grain white rice - brown rice, wild rice, or instant rice won't work with these liquid ratios and cooking times.
  2. Use smoked paprika specifically for that authentic charred flavor similar to grilled souvlaki.
  3. Covering the dish tightly is crucial to prevent steam from escaping while cooking.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Box grater for zucchini
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 384
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 41 g
  • Protein: 29 g