Why This Recipe Works
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, and that’s why Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice becomes a staple in your kitchen. The preparation is simple and straightforward, making it accessible for everyone. As you marinate the chicken, the flavors soak into every grain of rice, creating a harmonious dish that feels comforting and delicious. Plus, since it’s a one-pan meal, you’ll find minimal cleanup, letting you savor your time more and worry less.
Why You’ll Love This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
Imagine busy weeknights when you’re craving a flavorful homemade meal without the hassle. This recipe shines in those moments. The refreshing tzatziki brings a delightful twist, adding a vibrant touch to the classic chicken and rice you know. With fragrant herbs blending together, it appeals to both the casual cook and the flavor enthusiast alike. This dish strikes the perfect balance between ease and taste, making every bite a discovery.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt (like Lawry’s)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 1 ½ cups)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Tzatziki sauce, for serving
- Pita bread, for serving
- Chopped fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or chives), for garnish
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
Preparing the Chicken Marinade
Marinate the Chicken
Start by greasing a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In this dish, combine your diced chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne. Let that marinate for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This marinating step allows the flavors to settle into the chicken, setting up for a tasty meal ahead.
Adding Rice and Baking
Add Rice and Zucchini
Once your chicken has soaked up all those delicious flavors, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Now, it’s time to incorporate the rice and zucchini. Add the uncooked rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth into the same baking dish with the marinated chicken. Stir everything together well to combine. This step ensures all the ingredients mingle beautifully, setting the stage for your meal.
Bake the Dish
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. You’ll want to check that most of the liquid has absorbed and the rice is tender. If it looks like it needs a little more time, go ahead and cover it up again, continuing to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes based on your oven.
Fluff and Serve
Once you take it out of the oven, you’ll want to fluff the rice with a fork, giving it a nice texture. Then, taste it and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve it piping hot, topped with tzatziki, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges. This vibrant culmination looks as good as it tastes!
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal even more special, consider serving it alongside warm pita bread for a more filling dinner. A fresh Greek salad adds a crunchy, vibrant contrast that brightens everything up. Roasted vegetables work wonderfully too, complementing the dish’s flavors beautifully while adding a healthy touch.
Tips for Success
Keep a few tips in mind to make this recipe even better:
- Ensure your chicken pieces are uniform. This helps them cook evenly, giving you perfect bites all around.
- Feel free to adjust the baking time based on your oven type; glass pans, for example, may take a bit longer.
- Always taste-test before serving. This lets you ensure everything has the perfect seasoning to please everyone at the table.
Variations
Looking for something different? You can easily switch out the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist that’s equally delightful. Or, if you want to boost the health factor, try using quinoa instead of rice. Additionally, experimenting with various vegetables like bell peppers or carrots can add new colors and textures to your dish.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating in the oven will keep the best texture, though the microwave works for quick convenience.
FAQs
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
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Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice does take longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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What can I substitute for tzatziki sauce?
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A mixture of Greek yogurt with cucumber, garlic, and dill makes a great alternative if you lack tzatziki on hand.
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Can I prepare this dish in advance?
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Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just bake it.
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Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
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Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, but be mindful to adjust the liquid amounts as needed.
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What sides pair well with Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice?
- A simple side of steamed vegetables or a Mediterranean-style salad can beautifully complement this dish, amplifying the overall flavors.
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and convenience. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe ensures a delightful dining experience. With fresh herbs brightening each bite and the creamy tzatziki elevating your dish, this is one recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Enjoy every moment of preparing and serving this delicious dish.
Print
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
This one-pan dish blends marinated chicken with rice and refreshing tzatziki, making it an easy and flavorful option for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt (like Lawry’s)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 1 ½ cups)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Tzatziki sauce, for serving
- Pita bread, for serving
- Chopped fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or chives), for garnish
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Combine diced chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, and spices; marinate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Stir in rice, zucchini, and chicken broth into the marinated chicken.
- Cover with foil and bake for about 40 minutes, checking if the rice needs more time.
- Fluff rice with a fork, adjust seasoning, and serve hot topped with tzatziki, herbs, and lemon wedges.
Notes
Ensure chicken pieces are uniform for even cooking.
Adjust baking time based on oven type as necessary.
Taste-test before serving to ensure proper seasoning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 60
