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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a one-pan wonder that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and the fresh, tangy flavors of tzatziki sauce. With minimal prep and no stovetop cooking required, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious, wholesome meal without the fuss.

Ingredients
  

  • #### Tzatziki Sauce
  • - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • - 1/4 cup grated cucumber excess liquid squeezed out
  • - 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • - 1 clove garlic minced
  • - 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • - 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • #### Main Dish
  • - 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
  • - 3 cups chicken broth or water
  • - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • - 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved (optional)
  • - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • - 9x13-inch baking dish
  • - Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. **Preheat the oven**
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  3. **Prepare the tzatziki sauce**
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, and salt. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
  5. **Assemble the dish**
  6. Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Pour the chicken broth over the rice, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice.
  7. **Season the chicken**
  8. Sprinkle the chicken with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. If using, scatter the cherry tomatoes over the top.
  9. **Top with tzatziki sauce**
  10. Spread half of the prepared tzatziki sauce over the chicken. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.
  11. **Bake**
  12. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the rice is tender.
  13. **Garnish and serve**
  14. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with the reserved tzatziki sauce on the side.