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Delicious Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice in a baking dish

Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

A comforting one-pan meal featuring juicy baked chicken, fluffy rice cooked in savory broth, and a refreshing tzatziki sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Rice and Chicken
  • 2 cups long grain white rice (Jasmine or basmati) Rinsing removes surface starch and prevents gummy rice.
  • 4 cups chicken broth Low-sodium is fine; adjust seasoning if using low-salt.
  • 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts Pat dry before seasoning.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup diced cucumber substitute (zucchini or bell pepper) Use based on what’s available.
For the Tzatziki
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt Full-fat gives the creamiest tzatziki, but low-fat works.
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 cup grated cucumber Grate and squeeze out excess moisture.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly oil a 9 by 13 baking dish.
  2. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear; drain well.
  3. Spread the rinsed rice in an even layer in the prepared dish.
  4. Pour the chicken broth over the rice and stir gently to level it; leave the surface flat.
  5. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
  6. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Make the Tzatziki
  1. While the dish rests, make the tzatziki: in a bowl combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated and drained cucumber, fresh dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Taste and adjust acidity or salt.
Serving
  1. Spoon tzatziki over sliced chicken and rice, or serve it on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Notes

For a contrasting texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios over the finished dish. Tzatziki can be made a day ahead; keep it chilled. Use a thermometer to check chicken doneness.

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