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A comforting dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki rice bake with creamy sauce

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake — Comforting & Easy

This comforting and easy dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki rice bake is a delicious one-pan meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken and fluffy rice are baked together and then topped with a cool, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Rice Bake
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine) uncooked
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 garlic minced (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano or Greek seasoning blend
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Tzatziki Sauce
  • 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 0.5 medium cucumber grated and squeezed dry
  • 1 garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In the baking dish, combine chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, 3 cloves minced garlic, dried herbs, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken and distribute the rice evenly.
  3. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  4. Remove the foil, stir gently, and continue baking for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C) and the rice is tender. If needed, add more broth and re-cover for a few minutes.
Tzatziki Sauce
  1. While the bake is in the oven, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, 1 clove minced garlic, fresh dill, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir until well combined, then taste and adjust seasoning.
Serving
  1. Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm, topped with the cool tzatziki sauce.

Notes

Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Basmati or jasmine rice works best for this recipe. Adjust seasoning of the tzatziki sauce to your preference, adding more lemon or dill if desired.