This tasty dish combines chicken, rice, and creamy tzatziki sauce. Just dump everything in a baking dish and let your oven do the magic—so easy, right?
Who knew dinner could be this simple and flavorful? You can kick back and relax while the aroma fills your kitchen. Perfect for busy nights!
I love how the tzatziki adds a zesty twist, making each bite feel fresh and fun. Serve it with a side salad for a nice colorful plate! Enjoy cooking without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Long-grain white rice: This keeps the dish fluffy. You can swap in brown rice, but adjust the cooking time and add more liquid since it takes longer to cook.
Chicken: I recommend boneless thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work well too. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu instead.
Greek yogurt: This adds creaminess to the tzatziki. If you’re dairy-free, use a coconut or soy yogurt. It’ll still be tasty!
Spices: Turmeric adds lovely color and flavor. If you don’t have it, consider using curry powder. Adjust spices to suit your taste—feel free to get creative!
How Do You Get the Rice Perfectly Cooked in One Pot?
Getting your rice just right is key in this recipe. Here’s how to ensure success:
- Make sure the rice is spread evenly in the dish before adding liquids—this helps it cook uniformly.
- Use the correct amount of broth. The ratio is generally 1.5 cups of liquid for every 1 cup of rice.
- Cover tightly with foil to trap steam. This creates a mini oven, helping the rice cook fully!
- After baking, let the dish rest covered for a few minutes before fluffing. This lets everything absorb the flavors.
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (for tzatziki base)
- ½ cucumber, finely grated and drained (for tzatziki)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus extra lemon slices for garnish
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or mint, chopped for garnish
- Optional: chopped fresh dill or chives (for tzatziki and garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes of baking time. Overall, plan for about 1 hour for a delicious homemade meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with the grated cucumber, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and 1 minced garlic clove. If you have fresh dill or chives, toss them in too! Stir well and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a large baking dish so nothing sticks!
3. Layer Ingredients
Start by scattering the sliced onion and minced garlic on the bottom of the dish. Next, add the uncooked rice in an even layer over the onions.
4. Add Chicken and Spices
Place the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly over the rice. Drizzle olive oil on top. Now for the flavor: sprinkle turmeric, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper over everything. Simple!
5. Add Liquids
Pour the chicken broth evenly over the dish but try not to stir anything. This will keep all those flavors intact while baking!
6. Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is fully cooked.
7. Rest and Fluff
Take the dish out of the oven (be careful of the steam when removing the foil!). Use a fork to fluff the rice and chicken together gently.
8. Serve
Dish out the chicken and rice onto plates or bowls. Serve each portion with generous dollops of that refreshing tzatziki sauce on top or on the side. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or mint and add lemon slices for a pop of color!
9. Optional Accompaniments
If you’re feeling extra, add some warm pita bread and a simple salad of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives to round out the meal.
Enjoy your easy, flavorful, and comforting dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki rice!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it takes longer to cook. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time and increase the amount of broth by half a cup.
What Can I Use Instead of Greek Yogurt for the Tzatziki Sauce?
If you want a dairy-free option, feel free to substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or any plant-based yogurt. Just make sure it’s unsweetened for the best flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers? Can I Reheat Them?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just chop them and layer them in with the other ingredients—this will not only enhance the flavor but also add extra nutrition!
