Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice recipe delivers a flavorful, comforting meal combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Simply layer the ingredients in a casserole dish, bake, and enjoy a hassle-free Mediterranean-inspired dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1.5 cups uncooked rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a casserole dish lightly with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Rice and Chicken: Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish. Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make Tzatziki Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and lemon juice. Stir well to create a smooth tzatziki sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Spoon the tzatziki sauce evenly over the chicken pieces. Pour the chicken broth gently over the entire dish, ensuring it covers the rice and chicken.
- Cover and Cook: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender and fluffy.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra dill or lemon wedges if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For added nutrition and fiber, substitute white rice with brown rice, increasing the bake time by about 10-15 minutes.
- Add finely chopped zucchini or spinach into the rice layer for extra vegetables and flavor.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier meat and deeper flavor if preferred.
- Make sure the casserole dish is tightly covered with foil to avoid drying out the chicken during baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
