Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless breasts or thighs. Thighs offer a bit more flavor and tenderness. For a vegetarian option, substitute with chickpeas or your favorite protein like tofu.

Rice: Long grain white rice is standard, but you can also use brown rice or jasmine rice for a different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid needed.

Chicken Broth: If you need a lighter option, go for low-sodium chicken broth. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian dish without losing flavor.

Oregano: Fresh herbs are the best, but dried oregano works too. If you don’t have oregano, basil or thyme can also bring a nice touch to your dish.

Greek Yogurt: If you’re lactose intolerant, try a dairy-free yogurt. You could also mix equal parts sour cream and yogurt for smoothness and tang.

How Do I Make a Creamy Tzatziki Sauce?

Tzatziki sauce is really easy and adds a refreshing zing to the dish. It’s mainly yogurt with cucumber and seasonings. Here’s how to make it:

• Start by grating the cucumber and squeezing out excess moisture with a clean cloth or paper towel. This helps prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
• In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
• Let it chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend well.

For an extra punch, add a bit of mint or a dash of extra lemon juice!

Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice (uncooked)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 45-50 minutes of baking time, totaling around 1 hour for a delicious meal! You will be rewarded with flavorful chicken, tender rice, and a refreshing tzatziki sauce without much fuss.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the dish will bake evenly.

2. Combine Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl or directly in the baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, ground turmeric, ground cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.

3. Add the Chicken:

Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the rice mixture. Toss it all together to ensure the chicken is coated with the spices and combined with the rice.

4. Incorporate the Liquid:

Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice over the mixture. Gently stir to mix, but avoid covering the dish just yet.

5. Bake:

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the chicken is tender.

6. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:

While the chicken and rice are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. First, place the grated cucumber in a clean cloth or paper towel and squeeze out any excess moisture. This will keep the sauce from becoming watery.

In a separate small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Once combined, cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

7. Fluff and Serve:

After baking, take the dish out of the oven and carefully remove the foil. Fluff the rice and chicken with a fork to separate the grains and distribute the chicken.

8. Garnish:

To serve, ladle the chicken and rice onto plates or into bowls. Top with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, fresh parsley or cilantro, and garnish with lemon slices for an extra touch of brightness.

Enjoy your easy, flavorful, and comforting one-pan chicken tzatziki rice! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family.

FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires about 1 3/4 cups of liquid and 55-60 minutes of baking time to cook properly.

What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt for the Tzatziki Sauce?

No worries! You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. If using a thinner yogurt, consider adding a bit of cucumber to thicken the sauce.

Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and rice mixture in advance and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, make sure to adjust the baking time, as it might need an extra few minutes if it’s starting from cold.

How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Tzatziki Rice?

Store leftover chicken tzatziki rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.