Name: Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 375 ml low-sodium chicken broth; 680 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 0.5 teaspoon paprika; 240 ml tzatziki sauce; 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced for garnish (optional); 60 g crumbled feta cheese; 30 g chopped fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious recipe that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your dinner table, look no further than this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki. This one-pan wonder not only saves you time and effort but also delivers a hearty meal that is bursting with flavors. Imagine tender chicken pieces melded with aromatic spices and topped with creamy tzatziki sauce, all served over a comforting bed of fluffy rice. It’s an ideal comforting dish for busy weeknights or a cozy family gathering.

This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, its straightforward preparation means you can get all the ingredients in one baking dish without the need for extensive prep work or complicated cooking techniques. Secondly, the use of tzatziki sauce adds a unique twist to the usual chicken and rice combination, providing a refreshing creaminess that balances the spices perfectly. Plus, with the option to garnish with fresh cucumber and feta cheese, you’re adding not just flavor but also that appealing presentation that would wow any guest.

Why You’ll Love This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki

This dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings joy to the dinner table:

Easy to Prepare: Simply dump, bake, and serve! Minimal hands-on cooking means you can spend more time enjoying the meal and less time in the kitchen.
Flavor-Packed: Enjoy a delightful combination of spices and tzatziki which elevates ordinary chicken and rice.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients according to your dietary preferences or whatever you have on hand.
No Cleanup Hassle: Using just one baking dish means less cleanup at the end of the night, which is something everyone appreciates.
Healthy Option: With low-fat ingredients and fresh vegetables, this dish fits well into a balanced diet.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather your tools. Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). As you wait for the oven, lightly grease a 33 x 23 cm baking dish to prevent sticking. A standard glass or ceramic baking dish will work best for this recipe.

For this meal, you’ll need a good cutting board and knife to cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, which ensures even cooking. Having measuring spoons for the spices and a cup for the rice will help maintain the right balance of flavors. Lastly, an aluminum foil roll will be handy for covering the dish during the initial baking time to keep the moisture locked in.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare the Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki:

1 cup long-grain white rice
375 ml low-sodium chicken broth
680 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon paprika
240 ml tzatziki sauce
1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced for garnish (optional)
60 g crumbled feta cheese
30 g chopped fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F) and greasing your baking dish. This initial step helps in creating a non-stick environment that ensures your rice and chicken won’t stick to the bottom of the dish.

Step 2: Assemble the Base

Next, spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Make sure to cover the entire surface area. Once that’s done, carefully pour the chicken broth over the rice, ensuring all the rice grains are adequately submerged. The chicken broth not only cooks the rice but infuses it with a rich flavor that perfectly complements the dish.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Now, it’s time to layer the chicken. Distribute the cut chicken breasts evenly over the rice. This step is crucial for even cooking. When the chicken is in place, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and paprika over the top. Each spice contributes to building a depth of flavor that ensures the chicken is delicious and aromatic.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

Take the tzatziki sauce and spoon it across the surface of the chicken, aiming to coat each piece evenly. The tzatziki provides moisture and flavor, enhancing the overall texture of the dish as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. This initial covered baking allows the chicken to cook through and the rice to absorb the broth. After the time is up, check if the chicken is cooked and the rice is tender. If there’s excess moisture remaining, you can remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to achieve that perfect texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and allow everything to rest for 5 minutes—this step helps with flavor absorption. Prior to serving, garnish with crumbled feta, chopped parsley or dill, and fresh cucumber slices for that extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Variations

This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki is a fantastic base recipe that you can modify based on your palate or ingredient availability:

Protein: Swap the chicken for lamb, shrimp, or a plant-based protein like tempeh for a different flavor profile.
Vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition. You can sauté these lightly before adding them to the dish.
Spices: Experiment with flavors by incorporating cumin, coriander, or even a pinch of chili flakes for heat. Alternatively, you could replace the tzatziki sauce with a spicy harissa to give it a different spin.

Cooking Notes

It’s best to let the dish rest before serving, as this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
If you enjoy a crispy top layer, consider broiling the dish for a couple of minutes after baking, but keep an eye to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh Greek salad to round out your meal.
Consider serving it with warm pita bread or a light cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.

Tips

For added richness, feel free to mix in a dollop of creamy yogurt into the tzatziki before baking.
Leftovers are fantastic the next day! Just reheat, and you can enjoy a full meal within minutes.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Protein: 35g
Sodium: 512mg

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish and assemble it in advance. Just cover it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator. Bake when you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?

You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or water, though this may be less flavorful.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Store leftovers in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice will require a longer cooking time, so adjust your baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki is not just another chicken dish; it is a delightful entry into Mediterranean flavors that everyone in the family will enjoy. With its easy preparation and robust flavor profile, you will want to make it again and again. Whether you are serving guests or just enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below, and let us know how your variations turned out. Happy cooking!