Description
Dump and bake chicken tzatziki with rice is A one-pan Mediterranean-inspired dinner featuring tender chicken and fluffy rice infused with creamy tzatziki flavors. This dump and bake method creates a complete meal with minimal prep work and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken (any cut – thighs work best)
1½ cups long-grain white rice
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 large cucumber
4 garlic cloves
¼ cup fresh dill (or 2 tbsp dried)
2 whole lemons
⅓ cup olive oil
1 medium onion
2 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
First, make your tzatziki sauce. Grate that cucumber and squeeze out the water with a clean kitchen towel – this is important or your rice gets soggy. Mix it with the yogurt, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, and some salt. Save half for later and use half in the dish.
Dump your rice in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Mix your chicken broth with half the tzatziki, some olive oil, oregano, and sliced onions. Pour this over the rice. Season your chicken pieces and lay them right on top.
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 35 minutes. Take off the foil and cook another 10-15 minutes until the chicken hits 165°F. That’s all there is to it—your dump and bake chicken tzatziki with rice is ready to serve
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning for better browning
- Squeeze excess moisture from grated cucumber to prevent watery tzatziki
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F
- Let dish rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture
- Reserve half the tzatziki for serving fresh on top
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Mediterranean Dinner Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup chicken and rice with 2 tbsp tzatziki
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg