Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Recipe
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If you are craving a one-pan wonder that bursts with Mediterranean flair yet requires minimal effort, the Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant spices all topped with a creamy tzatziki sauce that bakes into a perfectly comforting meal. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to dinner that feels special but comes together in no time. Whether you are a weeknight warrior or just want to impress with little fuss, this recipe delivers flavor, fun, and freshness all in one beautiful bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple staples that work in harmony to build rich layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient brings something unique, from the hearty rice absorbing savory broth, to the spices enhancing the chicken’s mild taste, to the tzatziki adding a cool, creamy finish.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Provides the fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- 375 ml low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory depth to the rice without overpowering the dish.
- 680 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender protein that cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with herbs.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic touch to the chicken and rice.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory undertones with subtle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a classic Greek character that pairs wonderfully with tzatziki.
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and a pop of color to the dish.
- 240 ml tzatziki sauce: The star creaminess that bakes right into the chicken creating irresistible moisture and flavor.
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced for garnish (optional): Adds a crisp, refreshing finish.
- 60 g crumbled feta cheese: Sprinkles of salty tang to elevate every bite.
- 30 g chopped fresh parsley or dill, for garnish: Provides a vibrant, herbaceous note and bright green contrast.
How to Make Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C, ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature for even cooking. Lightly grease a 33 x 23 cm baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Layer the Rice and Broth
Spread the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. Pour the low-sodium chicken broth gently over the rice, making sure every grain is fully submerged so it cooks tender and fluffy alongside the chicken.
Step 3: Add and Season the Chicken
Distribute the bite-sized pieces of chicken breasts evenly over the rice layer. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and paprika generously and uniformly over the chicken—these spices will infuse rich and smoky flavors as the dish bakes.
Step 4: Spoon on the Tzatziki Sauce
Gently spread the tzatziki sauce over the top of the chicken pieces, coating them lightly but thoroughly. This step is key because the creamy sauce keeps the chicken moist during baking and delivers that signature tangy Greek flavor.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Seal the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. If you notice excess moisture after this time, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes to achieve a slight golden top.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once done, take the baking dish out of the oven and let the meal rest for five minutes—this allows the juices to settle and flavors to deepen. Then sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley or dill over the top. Add thin cucumber slices for an optional fresh crunch that brightens the whole dish.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
Dish out this comforting, flavorful bake immediately while it’s still warm and inviting. The layers of rice, seasoned chicken, and tzatziki meld into a truly satisfying meal that’s impossible not to love.
How to Serve Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley or dill aren’t just pretty touches—they bring in bursts of salty tang and bright herbaceous freshness that contrast beautifully with the creamy tzatziki and tender chicken. Thin cucumber slices add a crisp, cool freshness that balances the warm, spiced bake perfectly.
Side Dishes
While this recipe is a wholesome complete meal on its own, pairing it with a light Greek salad or some warm pita bread turns your meal into a festive Mediterranean feast. Roasted vegetables tossed in olive oil, lemon, and garlic also complement the flavors wonderfully and add extra color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
To amp up the presentation, serve the Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Recipe family style straight from the baking dish topped with vibrant garnishes. Alternatively, create individual portions in ramekins or small casseroles for an elegant touch at dinner parties. A drizzle of extra tzatziki on each plate or a squeeze of fresh lemon brightens this dish further and makes every bite sing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavors. The rice will continue to soak up the tasty juices, making the leftovers stringently even more flavorful the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months by transferring portions to freezer-safe containers. For best texture preservation, avoid freezing the cucumber garnish—add fresh when serving after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed portions gently in the oven at 170°C until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to keep the chicken tender and the rice fluffy. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems dry to restore moisture before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in the Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Recipe?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the baking time or pre-cook the rice partially before assembling the dish to ensure everything finishes evenly.
What if I don’t have tzatziki sauce on hand? Is there a substitute?
If you don’t have tzatziki, you can mix Greek yogurt with minced garlic, cucumber, dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to create a quick homemade version. It won’t be exactly the same, but it captures that fresh, creamy flavor nicely.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or swap it with a dairy-free alternative. For the tzatziki, use a coconut or cashew-based yogurt if you want to keep it dairy-free but still creamy and flavorful.
Is the Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This dish reheats beautifully and can be portioned into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just store garnishes separately to keep everything fresh.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Recipe is mild with a gentle smoky warmth from the paprika, making it suitable for most palates, including kids. You can always add a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes if you like a bit more kick!
Final Thoughts
This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Recipe is a total game-changer when you want something effortless but full of personality and flavor. The marriage of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy tzatziki baked with rice makes every mouthful a little celebration. Give it a try—you’ll likely find yourself making it again and again for both busy nights and relaxed gatherings where big flavor matters.
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Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Recipe
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki is an effortless one-dish meal that combines tender chicken breast, flavorful rice, and creamy tzatziki sauce into a comforting Mediterranean-inspired bake. With simple spices and fresh garnishes like feta and cucumber, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 375 ml low-sodium chicken broth
- 680 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 240 ml tzatziki sauce
Garnish
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced (optional)
- 60 g crumbled feta cheese
- 30 g chopped fresh parsley or dill
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a 33 x 23 cm (13 x 9 inch) baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer rice and broth: Spread the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the rice, ensuring all grains are submerged to allow for even cooking.
- Add chicken and seasonings: Distribute the bite-sized chicken breast pieces evenly over the rice. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and paprika evenly over the chicken to infuse it with Mediterranean flavors.
- Top with tzatziki sauce: Spoon the tzatziki sauce over the chicken pieces, spreading lightly to ensure the entire surface is coated. This adds creaminess and signature tang to the dish.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender. If there is excess moisture remaining, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to allow the liquid to evaporate.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley or dill, and thinly sliced cucumber for fresh crunch and color.
- Serve: Serve the bake warm as a wholesome, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort but delivers satisfying results.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice, but increase the baking time and broth accordingly since it takes longer to cook.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in some lemon juice and olive oil before baking.
- Tzatziki sauce can be store-bought or homemade; homemade will add extra freshness.
- If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
