There is something truly delightful about a meal that combines simplicity with bold Mediterranean flavors, and the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. This dish brings together tender, spiced chicken, fluffy rice, and a refreshing hit of zucchini, all baked in one pan for effortless cooking. The magic unfolds when topped with creamy tzatziki sauce, enhancing every bite with its cool, tangy notes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting gathering dish, this recipe never fails to impress with its harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a key role in creating layers of aroma, flavor, and nourishing goodness, making this dish both wholesome and exciting.
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Provides lean protein and the perfect base for absorbing all the spices.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds bright acidity that tenderizes chicken and lifts the overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Infuses richness and helps blend the spices with the chicken.
- Fresh parsley, oregano, thyme: These herbs create a fragrant Mediterranean herbaceous note, freshening up every bite.
- Spices like smoked paprika, cumin, onion and garlic powder: A smoky, savory backbone that makes the chicken irresistibly aromatic.
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: The fluffy, absorbent base that soaks up juices and spices beautifully.
- 1 medium zucchini, grated: Sneaks in a healthy veggie with moisture and subtle sweetness.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth, cooking the rice to tender perfection without fuss.
- Tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and lemon for serving: The bright, creamy finish that ties the dish together with extra freshness.
How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken and Marinade
Start by greasing your baking dish or giving it a good spray with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Toss the diced chicken into the dish with lemon juice, olive oil, freshly chopped or dried herbs, and the wonderfully aromatic spice mix. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. This part is key because it allows those rich Mediterranean flavors to deeply infuse the meat, setting the stage for an unforgettable dish.
Step 2: Combine Rice, Zucchini, and Broth
Once your chicken has marinated, add the uncooked rice, coarsely grated zucchini, and chicken broth directly into the baking dish. Give everything a good stir to combine, making sure the rice is evenly distributed. This step is where the magic starts to simmer into one pot, as the rice will cook by absorbing the broth and juices from the chicken and spices while baking.
Step 3: Seal and Bake Until Tender
Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap all that precious steam inside; this is crucial for perfectly cooked, tender rice. Pop the dish into a 375°F oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes if you’re using a metal pan, or 50-60 minutes for glass or ceramic dishes. Every oven varies, so it’s a good idea to check by tasting the rice near the end – it should be tender and full of flavor. Once done, fluff the rice gently with a fork. This slow bake brings out all the depth and melds the ingredients beautifully together.
How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Top this dish generously with creamy tzatziki sauce right before serving for a cool, refreshing touch. Sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs like dill, basil, parsley, or chives for bursts of color and a lively herbal aroma. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right on top brightens the whole plate, balancing the spices perfectly and creating a vibrant finishing note.
Side Dishes
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple Mediterranean-inspired sides. Think crisp Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. Roasted vegetables like bell peppers or eggplants also complement this dish beautifully without competing for attention. If you want to keep it classic, warm pita bread is a perfect accompaniment to soak up any leftover sauce and bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in individual ramekins or small bowls topped with a dollop of tzatziki and a lemon wedge on the side for a charming presentation. You can also turn it into a vibrant platter by arranging the chicken rice in the center surrounded by colorful bowls of olives, roasted veggies, and salads, making it a feast both for the eyes and the palate. For casual gatherings, encourage everyone to build their own plates with various garnishes and sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This recipe holds up beautifully as leftovers. Store any remaining chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Just remember to add fresh tzatziki and herbs when reheating to revive the dish’s brightness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, then freeze for up to 2 months. Keep the tzatziki sauce separate, as it’s best added fresh after thawing and reheating. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Cover to keep the heat and steam in, reheating until the rice is warmed through. For the best experience, add fresh tzatziki sauce and a squeeze of lemon after reheating to bring back that vibrant zestiness.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Though brown rice will require a longer baking time and more liquid, it adds a nice nuttier flavor and extra fiber. You may want to par-cook it slightly or adjust the broth amount and baking time accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses pure ingredients like chicken, rice, and herbs. Just be sure to check that your chicken broth and spices don’t contain any hidden gluten additives.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
While this recipe centers on chicken, you can substitute with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and choose a dairy-free tzatziki to keep it vegan-friendly.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?
The recipe includes a small amount of cayenne pepper for subtle warmth, but the overall spice level is mild and friendly for most palates. You can dial up or down the cayenne to your preference or omit it altogether for a very mild dish.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! After marinating the chicken and combining all ingredients in the baking dish, cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. Just add extra baking time if the dish is cold when it goes into the oven. This makes it super convenient for busy days.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like settling in with a comforting, flavorful meal that feels effortless yet special, and the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe delivers exactly that. With its vibrant herbs, perfectly cooked rice, and that creamy tzatziki finish, every bite feels like a little celebration. If you’re craving a dish that’s both simple to make and bursting with personality, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal.
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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki rice is a fresh, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring marinated chicken, tender rice, and grated zucchini, all cooked together in one baking dish for an easy and delicious dinner. Topped with creamy tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon, this recipe offers a perfect balance of herbs and spices with minimal prep work.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s brand)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 1 ½ cups grated)
- 2 cups chicken broth
For Serving
- Tzatziki sauce
- Pita bread
- Chopped fresh herbs such as fresh dill, basil, parsley, or chives
- Fresh lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare and Marinate the Chicken: Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coat of oil. In the dish, combine the diced chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, chopped parsley, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Toss everything well to coat the chicken evenly. Let this mixture marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat Oven: While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Add Rice and Vegetables: After marinating, add the uncooked long grain white rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth to the baking dish with the chicken. Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly, making sure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the broth.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture inside. This ensures the rice cooks properly by absorbing the liquid. Place the dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake Until Tender: Bake for 45-50 minutes if using a metal pan or 50-60 minutes if using a glass or ceramic dish. The rice should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. Check doneness by tasting the rice and use a fork to fluff it gently. If needed, season with extra salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken and rice onto plates and top with generous dollops of tzatziki sauce, fresh chopped herbs like dill or parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve alongside pita bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken at room temperature for 30 minutes enhances the flavor but do not exceed this time for food safety.
- Ensure the dish is tightly covered with foil to retain steam and cook the rice evenly.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your oven and the type of baking dish used; metal pans cook faster than glass or ceramic.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free pita or omit the bread.
