This recipe is all about simplicity! You just dump the chicken in a dish, pour on some tasty sauce, and it all bakes together beautifully. Plus, you get a yummy tzatziki rice to go with it!
Who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? I enjoy how easy it is to clean up afterward. You can sit back and relax while dinner cooks itself—what a win! 🍽️
Making this dish is so straightforward: just mix everything, and let the oven do the work. It’s perfect for busy days when you still want something delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Long-grain white rice: This rice works well as it stays fluffy and separate when cooked. You could also use brown rice, but remember it will need more liquid and a longer cooking time. Quinoa is another great alternative!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add moisture, but breasts work too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey can be substituted. Or, try cubed tofu for a vegetarian dish!
Spices: Turmeric, cumin, paprika, and oregano create that nice flavor. If you’re missing any of these, curry powder can be a good substitute for a unique taste. Adjust the spices based on your heat preference!
Greek yogurt: This is the base for your tzatziki sauce. You can swap it out with regular yogurt or even sour cream if you prefer a different taste. For dairy-free, try coconut or almond yogurt.
How Do You Bake the Chicken and Rice Perfectly?
Baking this dish well requires a few simple steps. The key is to layer everything properly and manage the moisture:
- First, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and cut your ingredients ahead to save time.
- Mix chicken, rice, and spices together, making sure everything is coated. This helps in flavor distribution.
- When transferring to the baking dish, pour the broth over but don’t stir! This allows the rice to soak up the flavors separately.
- Cover tightly with foil to keep in moisture while baking initially. The last phase without foil lets the top brown a bit, making it extra tasty.
Following these tips will ensure your chicken is juicy and the rice is perfectly cooked every time! Enjoy your flavorful meal without the fuss! 🍽️
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Rice Bake:
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for topping)
For the Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full fat preferred)
- ½ cucumber, finely grated or chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep time and 55 minutes for cooking, which includes 40 minutes covered and an additional 10-15 minutes uncovered in the oven. So, just a little under an hour for a complete and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Ingredients:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the onion and mince the garlic. Prep work is quick and will help everything cook evenly!
2. Mix the Chicken and Rice Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, uncooked rice, sliced onion, minced garlic, olive oil, turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Use your hands or a spatula to toss everything together so that all the ingredients are evenly coated with spices.
3. Assemble in Baking Dish:
Now, transfer your chicken and rice mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the chicken broth over the top evenly. Do not stir! This helps the flavors meld beautifully while it cooks.
4. Bake Covered:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes. This step ensures the chicken stays juicy and the rice cooks perfectly!
5. Uncover and Continue Baking:
After 40 minutes, take off the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. The rice should be tender and the liquid mostly absorbed. Your kitchen will start to smell incredible at this point!
6. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
While your chicken and rice bake, let’s whip up the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
7. Serve:
Once the chicken and rice are done baking, take it out of the oven and fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices for a pop of color. You can dollop the tzatziki sauce on top or serve it on the side.
8. Enjoy:
This meal pairs beautifully with a fresh mixed salad and warm pita bread for a balanced dinner. Dive in and enjoy the lovely burst of flavors!
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This recipe is not only straightforward, but it also guarantees a comforting, flavorful dish with very little cleanup. The blend of spices along with the refreshing tzatziki is sure to be a hit at your table. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so increase the broth to 3 cups and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
What if I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt for the Tzatziki?
No problem! You can substitute Greek yogurt with regular yogurt or even sour cream if you prefer. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut or almond yogurt—just adjust seasoning to taste.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken and rice mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold when you put it in the oven.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quick option.
