Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Long-grain white rice: This is essential for the dish’s texture. If you prefer, you can swap it out for brown rice, but remember it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide additional flavor and juiciness, but breast meat is leaner. If you need a substitute, tofu or chickpeas work well for a vegetarian option!

Spices: The turmeric, cumin, and coriander blend gives the dish a warm flavor. Don’t have all of them? Try curry powder as an all-in-one substitute for those spices.

Greek yogurt: This creates a rich tzatziki. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based yogurt instead. It’ll still deliver that creamy consistency and refreshing taste!

How Do I Ensure the Chicken and Rice Cook Evenly?

Getting the chicken and rice cooked perfectly together is key to this dish. Here’s what to do:

• Make sure the chicken pieces are bite-sized so they cook faster.
• Layer the rice evenly in the baking dish before adding the chicken and toppings. A flat layer helps with even cooking.
• Cover tightly with foil. This traps moisture and steam, keeping everything moist and evenly cooked.
• Don’t stir before cooking! Let the liquids settle so the rice cooks properly without becoming mushy.

Once out of the oven, gently fluff the rice and chicken with a fork for lightness. Happy cooking!

Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 medium onion, finely sliced or chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 3 1/4 cups chicken broth or water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon, plus lemon wedges for garnish
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes to bake, making it a quick and easy dinner option totaling around 1 hour. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken and rice cook evenly and thoroughly.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish:

In a large baking dish (at least 9×13 inches), spread the rinsed rice in an even layer. It’s important to do this step to make sure each grain cooks perfectly!

3. Add the Chicken and Vegetables:

Scatter the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly over the rice. Then, top with the sliced onion and minced garlic. These layers will infuse the dish with amazing flavors!

4. Season with Spices:

Sprinkle the turmeric, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper evenly over the rice and chicken. This seasoning mix will give depth to the dish.

5. Drizzle and Pour:

Drizzle the olive oil and fresh lemon juice over everything for added moisture and brightness. Then, carefully pour the chicken broth or water over the mixture, making sure not to stir it. This helps keep the rice intact while cooking.

6. Bake:

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the rice is soft and the chicken is cooked through. Keep it covered as this helps to lock in moisture.

7. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:

While the chicken and rice are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil (if you’re using it). Stir well and refrigerate until serving.

8. Finish the Dish:

Once the baking time is up, remove the foil from the dish and gently stir to fluff the rice and chicken mixture. It should be aromatic and perfectly cooked!

9. Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and add lemon wedges on top. Serve warm with generous dollops of tzatziki sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or warm pita bread!

Enjoy your tasty and easy dump-and-bake chicken with refreshing tzatziki rice!

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but it requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Use about 4 cups of chicken broth or water, and increase the baking time to about 55-60 minutes, checking for tenderness.

What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt in the Tzatziki Sauce?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular yogurt or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative like coconut or almond yogurt. Just ensure it’s plain flavor to keep the tzatziki’s taste intact!

How Should I Store Any Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through.

Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach before baking. Just ensure they’re cut into similar sizes as the chicken to ensure even cooking.