Imagine a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table with minimal effort—no pre-cooking, no endless stirring, just a dump-and-bake miracle. This Chicken Tzatziki with Rice recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, garlicky tzatziki sauce in one pan. Inspired by Greek cuisine, this dish is a harmonious blend of smoky spices, tangy yogurt, and fresh herbs, all baked together to perfection. Whether you’re meal prepping or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe promises a restaurant-quality meal with barely any cleanup.
What makes this dish truly special is its versatility and foolproof method. Unlike traditional casseroles that require pre-cooked rice or seared chicken, this recipe lets you layer raw ingredients—uncooked rice, diced chicken, and grated zucchini—directly into the baking dish. As it bakes, the rice absorbs the flavorful chicken broth and tzatziki sauce, resulting in a moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured meal. The addition of smoked paprika, cumin, and fresh lemon juice elevates the dish, while the cool tzatziki topping adds a refreshing contrast. It’s a healthy, balanced, and family-friendly dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious.
What Makes This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Special?
This recipe stands out for its effortless preparation and bold Mediterranean flavors. The “dump-and-bake” method means no stovetop cooking—just assemble, bake, and enjoy. The tzatziki sauce, whether homemade or store-bought, infuses the dish with a creamy, garlicky tang, while the smoked paprika and cumin add a smoky, aromatic depth. The rice cooks directly in the baking dish, absorbing all the savory juices from the chicken and broth, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist. Plus, it’s customizable—add extra veggies, swap proteins, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice: A One-Pan Mediterranean Feast
5
servings10
minutes40
minutes380
kcalIngredients for Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
For the Casserole:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (do not substitute with instant or brown rice)
1 ½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
1 medium zucchini, grated (about 1 ½ cups)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp turmeric
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges
1 cup Greek yogurt (or store-bought tzatziki)
⅓ cup grated cucumber, water squeezed out
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
- For Garnish:
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley or dill
Lemon wedges
Directions for Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
- Prep the Chicken and Marinade
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, toss the diced chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the Casserole
Add the uncooked rice and grated zucchini to the dish with the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently to combine. Ensure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Check if the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. If needed, bake uncovered for 5-10 more minutes.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the casserole bakes, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. Chill until serving.
- Garnish and Serve
Fluff the rice with a fork, then drizzle with tzatziki sauce. Top with feta cheese, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges.
What to Serve with Chicken Tzatziki and Rice?
- Warm pita bread or naan
- Greek salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion)
- Roasted vegetables (bell peppers, eggplant)
- Hummus and olives for a mezze platter
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 1012mg (adjust with low-sodium broth)
Final Thoughts
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is the ultimate time-saving, flavor-packed meal. With its minimal prep, one-pan convenience, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining. The creamy tzatziki, smoky spices, and tender chicken make it a crowd-pleaser, while the customizable toppings let everyone personalize their bowl. Give it a try—it might just become your new go-to recipe!
