Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

A Mediterranean-Inspired One-Dish Wonder for Easy, Nutritious Comfort

In today’s fast-paced world, recipes that combine convenience, flavor, and nutrition are absolute treasures. This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is one of those rare recipes that ticks every box—it’s simple, requires minimal hands-on time, and delivers bold Mediterranean flavors that feel both refreshing and satisfying.

Whether you’re managing a busy weekday dinner or preparing a casual weekend meal, this casserole shines with its blend of tender, herbed chicken, fluffy rice infused with lemon and spices, and the creamy tang of homemade tzatziki sauce. You don’t need to stand over a stove or use a dozen pans—everything comes together beautifully in one baking dish, making cleanup effortless.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation – Just marinate, layer, and bake!

• Balanced Nutrition – Lean protein, healthy fats, fiber, and plenty of flavor.

• Authentic Mediterranean Flavors – Lemon, garlic, dill, oregano, and cooling yogurt.

• Customizable – You can swap veggies, switch to brown rice, or even make it dairy-free.

 Ingredients

Let’s break down what you need for both the casserole and the tzatziki sauce.

For the Casserole

For the Tzatziki Sauce

 How to Prepare Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

This dish follows a straightforward process. If you can marinate, layer, and set a timer, you can make this successfully.

1. Marinate the Chicken (15 Minutes Active)

Marinating your chicken adds not just flavor, but also ensures juiciness during baking.

Steps:

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes.

2. In a bowl, combine the chicken with:

   • 2 tablespoons olive oil

   • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

   • All herbs and spices listed above (paprika, cumin, garlic powder, etc.)

3. Mix thoroughly to coat each piece.

4. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

Pro Tip: You can prep this the night before and store the chicken in the fridge to save time the next day.

2. Preheat Your Oven

• Temperature: 375°F (190°C)

• Preheat while the chicken is marinating to save time.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Time to build your Mediterranean flavor bomb!

Steps:

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.

2. Spread 1 cup of uncooked rice evenly across the bottom.

3. Add a layer of grated zucchini on top of the rice.

4. Pour 2 cups chicken broth over the rice and zucchini.

5. Finally, arrange the marinated chicken on top in a single layer.

This layering technique ensures that the rice absorbs all the savory, herby flavors from the chicken and broth.

4. Bake It!

• Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture.

• Place in preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.

• Check rice doneness: If the grains are still firm, re-cover and bake another 5–10 minutes.

Tip: Avoid removing the foil too early—steam is essential for cooking the rice properly.

5. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the casserole is baking, prepare the creamy tzatziki.

Steps:

1. Grate ½ cup cucumber, then squeeze out excess moisture using a paper towel or cheesecloth.

2. Combine with:

   • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

   • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

   • 1 clove garlic (minced)

   • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

   • ½ teaspoon salt

   • 1 tablespoon olive oil

3. Mix until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Flavor Enhancer: Let the sauce sit for 15–30 minutes so the flavors meld together.

6. Serve and Enjoy

After baking:

1. Remove the casserole from the oven.

2. Let rest uncovered for 5 minutes.

3. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

4. Top each portion with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce.

Optional: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or crumbled feta for extra Mediterranean flair.

 Preparation Time and Nutrition

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Calories per Serving: ~384 kcal

Macronutrient Breakdown (Approximate):

 Pro Tips for the Best Results

1. Use a food processor for grating zucchini and cucumber—quicker and saves your knuckles!

2. Check the rice: If your oven runs cool, you may need to extend the baking time.

3. Avoid watery tzatziki: Squeeze the cucumber really well. Otherwise, it’ll thin your sauce.

4. Double up: Make a larger batch and store leftovers for up to 3 days. The flavors get better!

5. Switch it up: Use brown rice (add ½ cup more broth and bake 10–15 minutes longer).

6. Make it spicy: Add a pinch more cayenne or drizzle with harissa for extra heat.

 Suggested Sides & Pairings

Though this casserole is a complete meal, you can enhance it with sides:

• Greek Salad – Cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta.

• Grilled Vegetables – Bell peppers, eggplant, and zucchini brushed with olive oil and lemon.

• Toasted Pita Bread – Warm and crispy to scoop up the creamy tzatziki.

• Lemon Herb Couscous – For a light grain alternative.

 Storing and Reheating

To Store:

• Place leftovers in an airtight container.

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To Freeze:

• Freeze the baked casserole (without tzatziki) for up to 2 months.

• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To Reheat:

• Oven: 350°F covered for 15–20 minutes.

• Microwave: Add a splash of broth, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals.

 Mediterranean Diet Benefits

This dish aligns beautifully with the Mediterranean diet, known for its heart-healthy benefits:

• Rich in lean protein

• Packed with herbs and spices instead of salt

• Balanced fats from olive oil and yogurt

• High in antioxidants from lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs

 Final Thoughts

The Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a wholesome, flavor-rich journey to the Mediterranean coastline. With its simplicity, balanced nutrition, and satisfying depth, it’s destined to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

So next time you’re looking for a healthy, hands-off recipe that doesn’t skimp on taste, this one-dish wonder should be top of your list. Prep it, bake it, and let the oven work its magic!