Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

If you’re craving something creamy, tangy, and full of Mediterranean flavor, this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is exactly what you need.

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The combination of tender chicken, cool tzatziki sauce, and fluffy rice makes every bite refreshing and comforting.

It’s a complete meal on its own, packed with protein, carbs, and that signature Greek flavor.

You can enjoy it for dinner with a side salad, or even meal prep it for lunches throughout the week.

Quick Recipe Info

Type	Details
Dish Name	Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
Calories	~480 kcal per serving
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fat	18g
Gluten-Free	Yes
Vegan	No
Dairy-Free	No
Cuisine	Mediterranean / Greek
Main Ingredients	Chicken, rice, tzatziki sauce, herbs, olive oil
Skill Level	Easy
Meal Type	Dinner / Lunch

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

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• It’s a true dump-and-bake dish — minimal prep and zero fuss.
• Everything cooks together in one pan for easy cleanup.
• The flavors are bright, creamy, and perfectly balanced.
• It’s packed with lean protein and wholesome ingredients.
• Great for meal prep — it reheats beautifully.
• The tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing Greek twist.
• You can customize it easily with your favorite vegetables or grains.
• It’s family-friendly and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

This recipe is all about combining simple ingredients that deliver bold Mediterranean flavors. You don’t need to do much prep or use any fancy tools. Everything bakes together in one dish, creating a creamy, tangy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights.

Chicken Breasts (about 1.5 pounds) – Boneless and skinless chicken breasts work best here because they stay tender while baking and soak up the creamy tzatziki flavors. You can also use chicken thighs if you like richer, juicier meat.

Long-Grain White Rice (1 cup, uncooked) – The rice cooks right in the baking dish, absorbing all the delicious juices and seasonings. Long-grain white rice is ideal because it cooks evenly and stays fluffy without clumping together.

Chicken Broth (2 cups) – The broth ensures that the rice cooks perfectly while keeping everything moist. Choose low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the salt level of your dish.

Tzatziki Sauce (1 cup) – The star of this dish! Tzatziki brings creamy texture, tangy flavor, and that cool Greek touch. You can use store-bought tzatziki or make your own using Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) – Olive oil enhances the richness and adds that signature Mediterranean flavor. It also helps prevent sticking and gives the dish a smooth texture.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic gives depth and warmth to the dish, perfectly complementing the creamy tzatziki and juicy chicken.

Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons) – A splash of lemon juice brightens the whole dish, balancing the creamy sauce with a refreshing tang.

Greek Seasoning or Dried Herbs (1 tablespoon) – A mix of oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary adds authentic Greek flavor. You can use a pre-made blend or make your own by combining these herbs.

Salt and Pepper (to taste) – These bring out the natural flavors of the chicken, rice, and sauce. Adjust according to your taste and the saltiness of your broth.

Fresh Dill or Parsley (for garnish) – Fresh herbs add a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish, making it even more inviting.

Steps to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

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This dish is as simple as it gets. Everything bakes together in one pan, so there’s no need to stand over the stove. Just mix, layer, bake, and enjoy a delicious meal full of creamy, zesty flavors.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This keeps the rice and chicken from sticking to the bottom and makes cleaning up so much easier. Make sure the dish is large enough for everything to bake evenly.

Step 2: Combine the Rice and Broth

Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the baking dish, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently so the rice is spread evenly. This step ensures that every bite of rice cooks in flavorful liquid and becomes soft and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into smaller pieces. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and Greek seasoning. As the chicken cooks, its juices mix with the rice and broth, giving the entire dish a rich and savory taste.

Step 4: Add the Tzatziki Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the tzatziki sauce, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and rice. This step locks in moisture, ensuring the chicken stays juicy while the sauce infuses everything with creamy, tangy flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes. The steam inside will help cook the rice perfectly while keeping the chicken tender.

Step 6: Uncover and Finish Baking

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes. This helps the top turn slightly golden and allows any remaining liquid to absorb fully. The chicken should be cooked through and the rice soft and creamy.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once it’s done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped dill or parsley before serving. Enjoy your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice warm, straight from the oven — it’s comforting, flavorful, and truly satisfying.

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Serving Suggestions

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that balance its creamy and savory flavors. You can serve it alongside a crisp Greek salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta for a complete Mediterranean meal.

For an extra touch, warm up some pita bread or flatbread to soak up the leftover tzatziki sauce from the dish. I also like to add a side of roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for more color and nutrition.

If you want to make the meal more filling, serve it with a small bowl of hummus or baba ganoush. The creamy texture of these dips complements the tangy chicken and adds another layer of Mediterranean richness.

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You can also enjoy this dish cold the next day as a refreshing rice salad. Simply chop up the chicken, mix it with the rice, add a spoon of extra tzatziki, and serve it chilled for a light lunch option.

Meal Prep Tips

Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time with minimal effort. You can assemble everything in the baking dish a few hours before cooking, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

If you prefer to cook it in advance, let the dish cool completely after baking, then store it in airtight containers. This way, you’ll have ready-to-eat meals for the next few days that just need a quick reheat.

For best results, store the tzatziki sauce separately if you plan to serve it fresh. Reheat the chicken and rice first, then drizzle on some extra cold tzatziki before serving for that perfect balance of warm and cool flavors.

You can also freeze portions for up to two months in airtight containers or freezer bags. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave for a quick, satisfying meal that tastes just as fresh as the day you made it.

Tips and Tricks

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Always rinse your rice before using it to remove extra starch and keep it from becoming sticky. This simple step ensures the grains stay light and fluffy as they bake.

Use a deep baking dish to give enough room for the rice to expand and absorb the broth properly. If your dish is too shallow, the liquid might spill or the rice might not cook evenly.

For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in tzatziki and herbs for 30 minutes before baking. This allows the yogurt and garlic to deeply penetrate the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.

If your rice still seems a little firm after baking, cover the dish again with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. The trapped steam will continue to soften the rice without overcooking the chicken.

Make sure your oven is preheated before placing the dish inside. This helps the ingredients cook evenly and prevents the chicken from drying out.

Variations of Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

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You can easily customize this recipe based on what you have at home or your personal preferences. Try using brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a more fiber-rich version.

If you love bold flavors, add some crumbled feta cheese on top before baking. It melts beautifully and gives the dish a creamy, tangy kick that complements the tzatziki perfectly.

For a colorful twist, mix chopped spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini into the rice before baking. These vegetables add freshness and extra nutrition without adding extra prep time.

To make it spicy, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle some chili oil before serving. The mild heat blends beautifully with the coolness of the tzatziki sauce.

If you prefer a lighter meal, skip the rice and serve the baked chicken over a bed of fresh greens or cauliflower rice. It’s a delicious low-carb option that still delivers all the wonderful Mediterranean flavors. For low carb options, you can try this Chicken & Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl.

Storage Instructions

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Once the dish has cooled completely, transfer it to airtight containers to keep it fresh.

You can refrigerate the leftovers for up to four days without losing flavor or texture. The creamy sauce continues to soak into the rice, making it even more flavorful the next day.

If you want to store it longer, freezing works just as well. Divide the meal into portions, seal them tightly, and freeze for up to two months for an easy grab-and-go dinner.

When reheating from frozen, let the dish thaw in the fridge overnight before warming it up. This helps the rice and chicken reheat evenly without becoming dry or mushy.

For best taste, store any extra tzatziki sauce separately in a small container. Adding it fresh when reheating keeps that cool, tangy flavor intact.

Can We Reheat Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

Yes, this dish reheats very well and still tastes amazing even the next day. The key is to warm it gently so the sauce stays creamy and the rice doesn’t dry out.

You can reheat it in the oven by covering it with foil and baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This method keeps the chicken juicy and the rice fluffy.

If you’re short on time, the microwave works perfectly too. Just cover the dish loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to distribute the heat evenly.

Adding a small splash of chicken broth or water before reheating helps maintain moisture. This little trick prevents the rice from becoming too firm and keeps the texture soft.

For the best flavor experience, serve it with a spoon of fresh tzatziki on top after reheating. The contrast between the warm chicken and the cool sauce makes every bite satisfying and fresh.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and needs more liquid. You can add an extra half cup of broth and increase the baking time by about 15–20 minutes to ensure it becomes tender.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the tzatziki with a dairy-free yogurt-based alternative. You can mix it with cucumber, lemon juice, and garlic to get that same refreshing flavor.

What vegetables go well in this dish?
You can add chopped spinach, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. These veggies not only add color but also bring extra nutrients and freshness to the meal.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken works great for a quick version of this dish. Just mix it into the rice and sauce before baking, and reduce the bake time by 10–15 minutes.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy texture and mild flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults. You can even leave out the herbs or lemon juice for a simpler taste if your kids prefer.

Conclusion

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a perfect mix of convenience, flavor, and comfort. It’s a wholesome meal that brings the fresh, creamy taste of the Mediterranean straight to your table.

I love that this dish requires so little effort yet feels so satisfying and special. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.

Every bite is filled with tender chicken, soft rice, and the tang of tzatziki sauce that keeps it light and refreshing. It’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to because it never disappoints.

So the next time you want a hearty, easy meal that tastes like a getaway to Greece, this dump-and-bake recipe is the one to try. Just bake, serve, and enjoy the delicious simplicity of homemade comfort food.