This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice is a cozy dish that brings flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table! Just toss in the chicken, rice, and tzatziki sauce, then bake away.
You know it’s a win-win when dinner is as simple as dumping everything in a dish. Perfect for busy weeks when you want something tasty without fussing over pots and pans!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tenderness. If you’re looking to cut calories, turkey breast is a great substitute. Alternatively, chickpeas can be used for a vegetarian option!
Rice: I suggest long-grain white rice, like basmati or jasmine, for a fluffy texture. If you need a whole grain, brown rice works too but might need a longer cooking time. Just adjust the liquid and bake time if you do!
Spices: The spices are what give that unique flavor. Feel free to substitute fresh herbs for dried if you have them. Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a lovely twist to the dish!
Tzatziki Sauce: Greek yogurt is the key base, but if you’re dairy-free, use coconut yogurt or soy yogurt. For a zesty kick, add a little more garlic or lemon juice to suit your taste!
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken and Rice Cook Evenly?
Getting your chicken tender and rice perfectly cooked means following a few simple steps for best results. It’s all about even layering and correct timing!
- **Layering:** Spread rice evenly in the baking dish as the base. This helps absorb moisture from the chicken and broth.
- **Broth:** Use enough chicken broth to cook the rice thoroughly. The broth’s flavors will permeate the rice, enhancing the dish.
- **Covering:** Tightly cover with foil during baking. This traps steam, ensuring the rice cooks evenly and keeps the chicken moist.
- **Final Check:** After 40 minutes, check that both the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through. Uncovered baking helps create a slight crust, adding texture!
With these tips, you’ll have a deliciously tender chicken and flavor-packed rice in no time!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 1 ½ lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine)
- 3 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano (Greek style if possible)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced and some juice squeezed
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, finely grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Estimate
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-50 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour to have everything ready on your table!
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, you’ll have it ready to go when you finish preparing your dish.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized pieces of chicken with olive oil, ground turmeric, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together really well so the chicken gets nicely coated with all those yummy flavors.
3. Layer the Rice and Onions:
Grab a large baking dish (around 9×13 inches) and add the rinsed rice in an even layer. Next, spread the sliced onions over the rice. This will add flavor and moisture during baking!
4. Add the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken pieces evenly on top of the rice and onions. Make sure to distribute them well so they cook evenly.
5. Pour the Broth:
Carefully pour the chicken broth over everything in the dish. Gently press down on the ingredients to settle them a bit, ensuring the rice has enough liquid to cook properly.
6. Lemon Time!
Scatter a few slices of lemon on top for extra flavor and a lovely presentation. You can also squeeze some lemon juice over the chicken and rice at this point!
7. Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 40 minutes. This helps trap the steam and cook the rice perfectly.
8. Check for Doneness:
After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil and check if the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through—an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is what you’re looking for. If everything isn’t quite done yet, bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to brown the top just a little.
9. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken and rice bake, whip up the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill or mint, salt, and pepper. Stir it well and let it chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!
10. Fluff and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish it with chopped fresh parsley and a few extra lemon wedges for that beautiful touch.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious one-pan meal is ready! Serve it warm with generous dollops of the tzatziki sauce on top or on the side. It’s also lovely with warm pita bread and a fresh salad!
This recipe creates a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s comforting and easy to make. Enjoy the delightful mix of spices and the zing of tzatziki as it brings everything together!
FAQ
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires more cooking time. Adjust the broth to about 3 ½ cups and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, checking for doneness. Brown rice gives a nuttier flavor!
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt in the Tzatziki Sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt or soy yogurt. They both work well, but be sure to season them generously as they might be less tangy than Greek yogurt.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the rice seems dry.
What Vegetables Can I Add to This Dish?
Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor. Just add them in with the chicken so they cook through during baking!
