Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a hassle-free Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings bold flavors with minimal effort. Juicy chicken, fragrant herbs, and creamy tzatziki sauce all bake together with rice in one dish—no pre-cooking required. It’s a flavorful, wholesome, and convenient dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighstzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)uncooked long-grain white ricechicken brothgarlic cloves (minced)lemon juiceolive oildried oreganoonion powdersalt and pepperfresh dill (optional)crumbled feta cheese (optional)cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices for serving (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In the baking dish, stir together the uncooked rice, chicken broth, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Nestle the chicken pieces into the rice mixture, making sure they are slightly covered with liquid.

Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce over the top of each piece of chicken.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Remove foil and broil for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the top, if desired.

Garnish with fresh dill and crumbled feta before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes

Variations

Swap the chicken for boneless lamb or turkey for a different protein.

Use brown rice but increase the baking time and liquid slightly.

Add spinach or chopped kalamata olives to the rice for extra flavor.

Top with extra tzatziki when serving for a creamier finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
This dish also freezes well—cool completely before freezing for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use instant rice?

Instant rice may overcook in this recipe. Stick to long-grain white rice for best texture.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free tzatziki alternative and skip the feta cheese.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the tzatziki sauce is certified gluten-free.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish ahead and store covered in the fridge for up to 12 hours before baking.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Absolutely—thighs stay juicy and flavorful during baking.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

No marinating needed—the tzatziki sauce adds flavor during baking.

What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with a Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or pita bread.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish and increase baking time slightly if needed.

How do I know the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach bake well in the dish.

Conclusion

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a flavorful, all-in-one meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is satisfying. With bright lemon, creamy tzatziki, and perfectly cooked chicken and rice, this dish brings Greek-inspired goodness to your table with minimal effort. Ideal for busy nights or easy entertaining, it’s a delicious way to simplify dinner without sacrificing taste.