Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
A hassle-free, delicious meal combining tender chicken with creamy tzatziki flavors, baked in one dish. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces You can use either breasts or thighs.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked) Substitute with brown rice or quinoa if desired.
- 1.5 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water) Ensure to remove excess water to avoid watery tzatziki.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried dill Use 2 teaspoons fresh dill if preferred.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- 1 Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) Optional but adds flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish) For serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
- In the greased baking dish, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth (or water), olive oil, minced garlic, dried dill, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir everything well so the rice absorbs the flavors.
- Place bite-sized chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture without mixing.
Sauce Creation
- In a separate bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice.
- Pour this tzatziki mixture over the chicken and rice ensuring even coating.
Baking
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove foil and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top if using.
- Return to oven for another 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
Serving
- Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
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Notes
Consider marinating chicken for added flavor. Extra tzatziki can be served as a dip or side. Store leftovers in an airtight container; will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.