Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice recipe is a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor. It’s a one-pan dish where the chicken and rice are baked together in a flavorful marinade, with creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce added at the end for a refreshing touch. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep and is sure to impress with minimal effort.

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Why Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is Irresistible

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the balance of flavors. The chicken marinates in a lemony, spiced mixture that infuses it with flavor, while the rice soaks up the chicken broth, making it tender and savory. The addition of fresh tzatziki sauce at the end brings a creamy, cool contrast that elevates the entire dish. The best part? It’s all baked together in one pan for easy cleanup.

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Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 6-8 ounce chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Other herbs to taste (such as oregano or thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Rice:
  • 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 zucchini (optional), diced
  • Salt to taste
• For the Tzatziki Sauce:
  • 1 cup store-bought or homemade tzatziki sauce (adjust to taste)
• For Garnish:
  • Fresh herbs such as parsley or dill

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Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

1. Marination Process for Chicken:

• Pat the Chicken Dry: Start by patting your chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. This ensures that the marinade will stick better to the chicken.
• Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and any other herbs you’d like to use (such as oregano or thyme). Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Whisk and Marinate: Whisk the marinade until the spices are evenly distributed. Pour the marinade over the chicken and ensure it’s coated well. Let the chicken rest in the marinade for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. Rice Preparation:

• Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from being too sticky.
• Drain the Rice: Drain the rice and then spread it evenly in the bottom of a baking dish.
• Add Zucchini (Optional): If you are using zucchini, sprinkle it over the rice. This adds extra flavor and nutrition to the dish.
• Season the Broth: Pour warm chicken broth around the edges of the rice. Add salt to taste and make sure that the rice is fully submerged in the broth.

3. Assembly and Baking:

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Add the Chicken to the Rice: Place the marinated chicken breasts or thighs directly on top of the rice. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken to enhance the flavor.
• Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

4. Final Stages:

• Check the Chicken: After 35 minutes, check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should have reached 165°F. If the chicken isn’t fully cooked, return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
• Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest, covered, for about 10 minutes.
• Fluff the Rice: After resting, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and make it more airy.
• Add Tzatziki: Drizzle the tzatziki sauce over the chicken and rice or serve it on the side for guests to add as they please.
• Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill for added freshness and color. Serve immediately!

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Key Ingredients for Perfect Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this dish as they remain juicy while baking.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice works best as it absorbs the flavors of the broth without becoming mushy.
• Tzatziki Sauce: The tangy, creamy tzatziki sauce adds the perfect finishing touch to the dish. You can make your own or use store-bought for convenience.
• Broth: Using chicken broth infuses the rice with savory flavor. You can also substitute vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version.
• Zucchini: Optional but adds a delicious, tender bite that complements the rest of the dish.

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Exploring Variations for Your Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

• Add Veggies: Feel free to include additional veggies such as diced bell peppers, tomatoes, or spinach. These will add more color and nutrition.
• Use Different Spices: If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.
• Substitute Protein: For a variation, you can substitute the chicken with turkey breasts or even use a plant-based protein like tofu for a vegetarian version.

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Tips for Perfect Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Every Time

• Let the Chicken Marinate: For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it will be.
• Check the Chicken’s Temperature: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C).
• Don’t Overcook the Rice: Be sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully and keep an eye on the rice as it bakes. The liquid should be absorbed, but the rice should still be tender.

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Nutritional Information for Health-Conscious Eaters

Approximate Nutritional Information per Serving (Based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 463 kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 622mg
• Potassium: 573mg
• Vitamin A: 15%
• Vitamin C: 12%
• Calcium: 9%
• Iron: 16%

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Storing and Reheating Your Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

To Store:

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dish tastes great as leftovers, so don’t hesitate to make extra!

To Reheat:

• Reheat the dish in the microwave or in the oven. If reheating in the oven, cover it with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

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Serving Suggestions for Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a full meal on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables for a lighter meal. For extra flavor, serve with a side of warm pita bread or roasted potatoes.

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Essential Cooking Tools and Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• Large skillet for searing the chicken
• Baking dish for assembling and baking the chicken and rice
• Meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature
• Mixing bowl for preparing the marinade

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They will stay juicier and add a different flavor profile to the dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and rice the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave, and add the tzatziki sauce before serving.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or water as a substitute, though chicken broth will provide the most flavor.

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Quick and Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6-8 chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 cups rice
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup tzatziki sauce

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken and prepare rice.
2. Assemble in a baking dish and bake.
3. Add tzatziki and garnish with herbs.

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Key Takeaways

This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice recipe is a simple, flavorful meal that combines juicy marinated chicken with tender rice and a creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s the perfect dish for busy nights, and the best part is that it all bakes together in one pan for minimal cleanup. Enjoy the fresh flavors and creamy texture that everyone will love!