
If you’re craving the bright, tangy flavors of the Mediterranean but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is about to become your new favorite dinner. With juicy, seasoned chicken, creamy tzatziki, tender rice, and bursts of fresh herbs, it’s everything you love — in one baking dish.
What makes this recipe truly shine is the zero fuss approach. No pre-cooking. No separate pans. Just dump the ingredients into your dish, give it a quick mix, and let the oven do the work. The result? A flavorful, wholesome, and comforting meal with Greek vibes that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No prep or sautéing — true dump-and-bake ease
- Creamy, herby, Greek-inspired flavor
- Balanced with lean protein, rice, and vegetables
- Kid-friendly, great for meal prep
- Naturally gluten-free
🥄 Ingredients (U.S. Standard Measurements)
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
- ½ cup store-bought or homemade tzatziki sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup diced cucumber (optional but recommended)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional for topping)
- Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish
🔥 Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Dump Everything In
In the baking dish, add uncooked rice, chicken pieces, chicken broth, Greek yogurt, tzatziki, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly combined. - Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. - Add Final Touches
Remove from oven and stir gently. If using, fold in the diced cucumber for freshness. Sprinkle crumbled feta over the top and let sit uncovered for 5 minutes before serving. - Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped dill or parsley. Serve warm with extra tzatziki or lemon wedges on the side.
🌿 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp Greek salad or roasted vegetables
- Serve with warm pita bread for scooping
- Add olives and sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flair
- A side of hummus or baba ghanoush completes the experience
🧠 Tips & Tricks
- Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor
- If using brown rice, increase liquid by ½ cup and bake an extra 15–20 minutes
- Want more veggies? Add spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes before baking
- Make it dairy-free by using a dairy-free yogurt and omitting the feta
- Use leftover tzatziki as a sandwich spread or salad dressing
✨ My Special Twist
To take this dish up a notch, I like to add a layer of sliced lemon rounds on top of the chicken before baking. As they roast, they infuse the dish with bright citrusy aroma, and look beautiful when served.
Another favorite addition is a spoonful of caramelized onion or roasted garlic stirred in right before serving — it adds a touch of sweet depth that pairs beautifully with the tangy yogurt base.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving – serves 6)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
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