Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
This dish combines juicy chicken, rice, and Greek-inspired seasonings, baked together in one dish. Topped with creamy tzatziki sauce and fresh herbs, it’s a low-effort, family-friendly meal that tastes like a Greek chicken bowl straight from the oven.
Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: ~55 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
3 cups chicken broth (or water + 1 bouillon cube)
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 lemon
½ cup crumbled feta
Fresh parsley or dill, chopped, for garnish
Tzatziki:
1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated & squeezed dry
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven – to 375°F (190°C).
Assemble rice base – In a large greased 9×13-inch baking dish, add uncooked rice and chicken broth. Stir in lemon zest, 1 tbsp olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
Season chicken – Pat chicken dry. Rub with remaining olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place chicken on top of rice mixture.
Bake – Cover tightly with foil and bake 40–45 minutes, until rice is fluffy and chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temp).
Make tzatziki – While baking, mix all tzatziki ingredients in a small bowl. Chill until serving.
Finish – Remove dish from oven. Let rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with feta and fresh parsley/dill. Serve with a generous dollop of tzatziki and lemon wedges.
Notes & Tips
Use thighs for juicier chicken; breasts work but can dry if overcooked.
Add veggies: Stir in chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers with the rice.
For extra flavor: Stir 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the rice before baking.
Meal prep friendly: Keeps 3–4 days in the fridge; tzatziki is best fresh but lasts ~2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase liquid to 3 ½ cups and bake covered for 55–60 minutes.
Q: Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Absolutely — saves time!
Q: What sides go best?
A simple Greek salad, roasted veggies, or pita bread pair beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~420
Protein: 33g
Carbs: 42g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 2g