Description
A simple and delicious Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers great flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound 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 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon 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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
- Prepare the Casserole Base: In the baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth (or water), olive oil, garlic, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Add Chicken and Yogurt Mixture: Arrange the chicken pieces evenly over the rice mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice to create the tzatziki base. Pour the yogurt mixture evenly over the chicken and rice. Spread it gently with the back of a spoon.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- 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.
- 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
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for added moisture.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables to the rice mixture, such as peas or bell peppers.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Dump-and-Bake, Chicken, Tzatziki, Rice, Easy Recipe