This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice is a breeze to make! Just toss everything into a dish, and let the oven do the work. Juicy chicken paired with creamy tzatziki rice is a winning combo!
You’ll love how little effort goes into this tasty meal. Perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without all the fuss. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-dish wonder? 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I typically use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness, but you can substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer. Just remember, breasts may dry out a bit more during baking.
Rice: Long grain white rice is perfect for this dish, but you could also use jasmine or basmati rice for a different flavor. If you want a healthier option, brown rice works too, but it will need more liquid and a longer cooking time.
Greek Yogurt: This is the base of the tzatziki. If you want a lighter option, you can use plain low-fat yogurt. You can also try using sour cream for a creamier texture.
Dill: Fresh dill gives a burst of flavor, but if you can’t find it, dried dill can work in a pinch. Just use about a third of the amount, as dried herbs are more potent.
How Do I Get the Chicken to Stay Juicy?
Keeping chicken juicy is all about not overcooking it. Here’s how to ensure your chicken turns out tender:
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; pull it out when it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to trap steam and keep moisture in.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender.
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Bake:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Rice Topping:
- 1 cup cooked rice (reserved from bake)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 1 hour of cooking time. You’ll spend just a few minutes assembling the ingredients in a baking dish, and the oven will take care of the rest. It’s an easy yet satisfying meal that is perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your chicken.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
In a large baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom. It will soak up all those delicious flavors as it cooks.
3. Add Onion and Garlic:
Scatter the sliced onion and minced garlic over the rice. This will add a wonderful aroma and flavor to your dish.
4. Pour on the Broth:
Gently pour the chicken broth over the rice and onions. This helps the rice cook perfectly while keeping everything moist.
5. Add the Chicken:
Now, place the chicken pieces right on top of the rice. This way, they’ll cook beautifully and soak up all the flavors too!
6. Season the Dish:
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rice, and then sprinkle on the dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Yum!
7. Add Lemon:
Arrange the lemon slices on top of the chicken. The lemon will add a nice zing to the dish as it bakes.
8. Bake Covered:
Cover your dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven for 45 minutes. This keeps the moisture in and allows the chicken to cook evenly.
9. Uncover and Finish Baking:
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
10. Prepare the Tzatziki Rice:
Once everything is baked, take out the chicken and set it aside. Fluff the rice with a fork and save about 1 cup for the tzatziki topping.
11. Mix the Tzatziki:
In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Then fold in the reserved cooked rice until everything is nicely combined.
12. Serve:
It’s time to serve! Place the baked chicken on plates and add a generous scoop of the tzatziki rice either on the side or spooned right over the chicken.
13. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish with extra dill or fresh lemon wedges. Enjoy your delicious, easy dump and bake chicken with tzatziki rice!
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless thighs or breasts for tenderness, you can also use bone-in chicken pieces. Just keep in mind that bone-in pieces may require a longer cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Can I Substitute the Rice?
Yes! While long grain white rice works best, you can use jasmine or basmati for a fragrant option. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, brown rice is fine too, but remember it will need more liquid and a longer cooking time.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to bring back moisture.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
You can prepare the chicken and rice mixture ahead of time by assembling everything in the dish and covering it with foil. Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it goes straight from the fridge to the oven.
