Description
A simple and flavorful one-dish meal combining tender baked chicken breasts with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, topped with cool and creamy tzatziki sauce. This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice recipe is easy to prepare, making it perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner that delivers Greek-inspired Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Season Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and drizzle them with olive oil. Season evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Mix Rice and Broth: In a separate bowl, combine the long-grain white rice with the chicken broth, adding a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to mix well.
- Add Rice Mixture to Dish: Pour the rice and broth mixture evenly around the chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring the rice is submerged for proper cooking.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, then bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Verify that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender.
- Add Tzatziki and Garnish: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Spoon tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley to add color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and rice warm, allowing the cool creaminess of the tzatziki to complement the savory baked chicken and fluffy rice.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.
- If you prefer, homemade tzatziki sauce can be used for a fresher flavor.
- For added vegetables, consider mixing chopped cucumbers or tomatoes into the rice before baking.
- This dish can be doubled for a larger crowd using a bigger baking dish.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
