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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe: A Flavorful, Effortless Weeknight Dinner

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
A fuss-free, flavor-packed dinner that’s ready in under an hour! Tender chicken, zesty tzatziki, and fluffy rice baked to perfection.  Perfect for busy nights!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried dill (or 2 tsp fresh dill, chopped)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Prepare the Casserole Base
    In the baking dish, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth (or water), olive oil, garlic, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
  3. Add Chicken and Yogurt Mixture
    Arrange the chicken pieces evenly over the rice mixture.
    In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice to create the tzatziki base. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and rice. Spread gently with the back of a spoon.
  4. Bake
    Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
  5. Add Toppings and Serve
    Remove the foil and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top, if desired. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, uncovered, to melt the cheese slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
  6. Serve
    Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve warm, alongside a crisp salad or warm pita bread.

Notes

  • Rice Options: Substitute brown rice or jasmine rice, but adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly (brown rice may require up to 50 minutes).
  • Tzatziki Shortcut: Use store-bought tzatziki sauce for convenience, thinning it slightly with lemon juice or water before spreading over the dish.
  • Make Ahead: Prep the dish up to step 3, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Bake when ready.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipes.gernarb.com/dump-and-bake-chicken-tzatziki-with-rice-recipe-a-flavorful-effortless-weeknight-dinner/