Description
This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki recipe offers a simple, flavorful one-dish meal combining tender chicken, aromatic rice, and creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner, the ingredients are layered and baked together, producing juicy chicken infused with herbs and spices, complemented by fresh garnishes of cucumber, feta, and herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 375 ml low-sodium chicken broth
- 680 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 240 ml tzatziki sauce
Garnishes
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced (optional)
- 60 g crumbled feta cheese
- 30 g chopped fresh parsley or dill
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 33 x 23 cm baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Rice and Broth: Spread the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly at the bottom of the baking dish. Pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the rice ensuring all grains are fully submerged to achieve even cooking.
- Add the Chicken and Seasonings: Arrange the bite-sized chicken breast pieces evenly over the rice. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and paprika uniformly over the chicken pieces for balanced flavor.
- Top with Tzatziki Sauce: Spoon the tzatziki sauce over the seasoned chicken, spreading it lightly and evenly to coat the surface; this adds moisture and authentic flavor during baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Finish Baking Uncovered (if needed): If there is remaining moisture in the baking dish after the initial baking period, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to evaporate excess liquid and slightly brown the top.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley or dill, and optional thin cucumber slices for freshness and texture.
- Serve Warm: Serve the dish warm as a complete comforting meal combining juicy chicken, flavorful rice, and creamy tzatziki.
Notes
- Ensure the rice is fully submerged in broth to cook properly without burning.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in the dish.
- The garnish of cucumber, feta, and herbs adds freshness and traditional Mediterranean flavor but can be adjusted or omitted to taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheated gently in an oven or microwave.
- This dish can be doubled to serve a larger group using a bigger baking dish and adjusting cooking times accordingly.
