When it comes to weeknight dinners, we all crave recipes that are simple to prepare, delicious to eat, and don’t require hours of effort in the kitchen.
Enter the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice recipe—a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep time and a single baking dish, this recipe is perfect for busy families or anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, homemade meal without the hassle.
This recipe combines tender chicken marinated in fragrant herbs and spices with fluffy rice and zucchini, all baked together in one dish. The result is a comforting casserole bursting with vibrant flavors. Serve it with a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a meal that feels both indulgent and healthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. There’s no need to pre-cook the rice or chicken—all the ingredients come together in one pan and bake to perfection in the oven. The marinade infuses the chicken with bold Mediterranean flavors, while the zucchini adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the rice. It’s a complete meal that’s hearty enough to satisfy but light enough to keep you feeling energized.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof. Plus, it’s customizable! Swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts or adjust the spices to suit your taste. The versatility of this dish makes it a staple you’ll want to add to your weekly dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dump-and-bake meal:
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s brand)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 1 ½ cups grated)
- 2 cups chicken broth
For serving: tzatziki sauce, pita bread, chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, basil, parsley, or chives), and fresh lemon.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice:
- Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by greasing a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking. - Marinate the Chicken
In the prepared dish, toss the diced chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Let the chicken sit and marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step allows the flavors to meld and ensures juicy, flavorful chicken. - Combine Ingredients
Once the chicken has marinated, add the uncooked rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth to the pan. Stir everything together until evenly combined. - Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam and bake for 40 minutes. This ensures the rice cooks through while absorbing all the flavorful liquid. After 40 minutes, check if the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If the rice is still crunchy, cover the dish again and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes. - Fluff and Season
Once done, use a fork to fluff the rice gently—this keeps it light and airy. Avoid stirring with a large spoon, as this can compact the grains and make them dense. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. - Serve
Plate your chicken and rice casserole and top it with tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs like dill or parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Pair with warm pita bread for an authentic Mediterranean experience.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use Long Grain White Rice: This recipe is specifically designed for uncooked long grain white rice. Substituting with brown rice, wild rice, or instant rice may alter the cooking time and liquid requirements.
- Choose Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor that mimics grilled shawarma or souvlaki.
- Seal Tightly: Covering your dish tightly with foil ensures that no steam escapes during baking—a crucial step for perfectly cooked rice.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your casserole to prevent mushy or gummy rice.
Nutritional Information
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 384 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
It’s a balanced meal that provides plenty of protein and fiber while keeping calories in check.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
The Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice recipe is more than just convenient—it’s a celebration of Mediterranean flavors in every bite. The combination of tender chicken, fragrant spices, fluffy rice, and creamy tzatziki sauce creates a dish that feels comforting yet exotic. It’s perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or simply treating yourself to something special on a busy weeknight.
Plus, this recipe is versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences. You can easily swap out ingredients or adjust seasonings to make it your own. Whether you’re serving it as-is or pairing it with a crisp Greek salad on the side, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a no-fuss dinner that delivers big on flavor, give this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice recipe a try. With minimal prep time and maximum deliciousness, it’s a win-win for any home cook. So grab your baking dish, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean from the comfort of your own kitchen!
PrintDump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice
This dump-and-bake version of chicken tzatziki and rice is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy! Featuring marinated chicken, tender rice, and grated zucchini all baked together in one dish, it’s perfect topped with creamy tzatziki and fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: High-Protein
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh oregano (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or ¼ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¾ tsp seasoned salt
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 medium zucchini, grated (about 1½ cups)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- For serving:
- Tzatziki sauce
- Pita bread
- Fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or chives)
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray.
2. In the dish, toss chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, and all herbs and spices. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Add uncooked rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth to the chicken. Stir well to combine.
4. Cover dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
5. If rice is still undercooked, return to oven covered for another 5–10 minutes.
6. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve hot with tzatziki, pita, fresh herbs, and lemon.
Notes
• Use only long grain white rice; other types require different times and liquid.
• Smoked paprika is key for flavor depth.
• Cover tightly with foil to retain steam.
• Fluff rice with a fork, not a spoon, to avoid mushiness.
• Do not overbake—check doneness by tasting the rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the dish
- Calories: 384
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1012mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Leave a Comment