Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice recipe is a no-fuss, flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken breasts are oven-baked with seasoned rice and topped with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce—no stovetop required.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish brings ease and taste together in one pan. With a simple dump-and-bake method, there’s no need to pre-cook the rice or chicken. The oven does all the work while you sit back. The result? Moist, tender chicken, fluffy, seasoned rice, and a refreshing tzatziki finish that makes each bite irresistible. It’s ideal for meal prepping, family dinners, or anyone looking for a quick, Mediterranean-inspired meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 chicken breasts

• 1 cup rice

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup tzatziki sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Place the chicken breasts in the dish and drizzle with olive oil.

3. In a bowl, mix rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour the rice mixture around the chicken in the baking dish.

5. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C) and rice is tender.

6. Remove from the oven and spoon tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: Approximately 375 kcal per serving

Variations

• Add Veggies: Stir in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes with the rice.

• Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.

• Different Grains: Try using quinoa or orzo instead of rice, adjusting liquid and time accordingly.

• Herby Touch: Mix in dill or oregano for extra Mediterranean flavor.

• Tzatziki Swap: Try hummus or garlic yogurt sauce as a topping alternative.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if the rice becomes dry. Tzatziki is best added fresh after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work great and add more flavor.

Does the rice need to be pre-cooked?

Nope! It cooks perfectly in the oven with the chicken and broth.

What kind of rice should I use?

Long grain white rice works best. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cook time.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free tzatziki or omit it and top with a dairy-free alternative.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the entire dish (except the tzatziki) and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

What’s the best way to know the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).

Can I freeze this?

Yes, freeze after baking (without tzatziki). Thaw overnight and reheat before topping with sauce.

What should I serve with it?

It’s a complete meal, but a Greek salad or pita bread on the side pairs nicely.

Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

Absolutely. It’s a great time-saver and adds authentic flavor.

How do I prevent dry chicken?

Don’t overbake—check temperature at 35 minutes and cover tightly during baking to retain moisture.

Conclusion

Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is the kind of weeknight dinner everyone needs in their back pocket. It’s healthy, satisfying, and ridiculously easy to throw together. With bold, bright flavors and minimal cleanup, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

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This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a no-prep, one-pan dinner packed with Mediterranean flavor. Juicy chicken breasts bake atop seasoned rice, finished with a creamy tzatziki sauce. Quick, easy, and ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep!

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

• Place chicken breasts in the dish and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

• In a separate bowl, mix the rice, chicken broth, remaining salt, and pepper.

• Pour the rice mixture around the chicken.

• Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and rice is tender.

• Remove from oven, spoon tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast, and garnish with fresh parsley.

• Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Don’t pre-cook the rice—it will cook perfectly in the oven.

• Store-bought tzatziki makes this even faster, or use your favorite homemade version.

• Cover tightly with foil to trap steam and ensure fluffy rice and juicy chicken.

• Author: Sophia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Dump-and-Bake / Oven
• Cuisine: Mediterranean