Have you ever tried a recipe and instantly thought, “This is going on my weekly meal list”? That’s exactly how I felt after tasting this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice. It’s full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors, creamy textures, and wholesome ingredients that come together in a single dish with barely any effort.
While the chicken absorbs a blend of spices and the rice cooks to perfection, you can sit back and relax. If you’re a fan of easy meals like this, you’ll also love the fresh flavors in recipes like this spicy southwest salad. Now, ready to see how this magic happens? Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this dish perfect, each ingredient serves a purpose. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken (1 lb): Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces. Both work great, but thighs tend to stay a bit juicier.
- Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Adds a zesty tang and tenderizes the chicken beautifully. Freshly squeezed juice makes a big difference.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): A flavorful base for the marinade and helps lock in moisture for the chicken.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon): Finely chopped or substitute with ½ teaspoon of dried parsley for a hint of freshness.
- Oregano and Thyme (1 teaspoon combined): Use dried for a more intense flavor.
- Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a smoky depth to the dish that regular paprika can’t offer.
- Garlic and Onion Powder (½ teaspoon each): For a savory and well-rounded flavor.
- Seasoned Salt, Ground Cumin, and Turmeric (various amounts): These warm spices bring Mediterranean authenticity to your marinade.
- Cayenne Pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Just a hint of heat. Add more if you prefer spicy dishes!
- Uncooked Long Grain White Rice (1 cup): The base of the dish that soaks up all the delicious flavors as it bakes.
- Zucchini (1 medium, grated): Adds moisture and lightness. No pre-cooking required!
- Chicken Broth (2 cups): Ensures the rice cooks properly while adding depth and heartiness.
- Tzatziki Sauce (for serving): Store-bought works great for convenience, but a homemade version adds an extra layer of richness.
Note: This recipe makes about four servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.
Recipe Best Variations to Try
Want to tweak the recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences? Here are some great ideas:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with chickpeas or cubed firm tofu.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice, but reduce the broth to 1-1.5 cups.
- Gluten-Free Tzatziki: Double-check that your store-bought tzatziki sauce is gluten-free or make your own at home.
- Add Veggies: Mix in frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra textures and nutrients.
You can also explore similar dishes like enchilada-style ground beef burritos for an added weeknight variety.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long you’ll spend making this dish:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Equipment You Need
To make the recipe, gather the following tools:
- 9 x 13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for holding all the ingredients while they bake.
- Mixing Bowls: For marinating the chicken and combining ingredients.
- Grater: To quickly shred the zucchini.
- Foil: Ensures the dish stays covered and the rice absorbs all the liquid during baking.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing chicken into bite-sized pieces.
How to Make Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
This recipe couldn’t be easier. Everything comes together beautifully in just a few steps!
Marinate the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Meanwhile, toss the diced chicken in a bowl with lemon juice, olive oil, fresh parsley, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of turmeric.
Mix everything well so the chicken gets coated evenly. Leave it to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature. This step works wonders for flavor!
Assemble the Dish
Grease your baking dish lightly. Add the uncooked rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth to the marinated chicken. Stir them together right in the dish to coat every grain of rice and every piece of chicken with the flavorful marinade.
Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 40 minutes or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. If the rice feels a little underdone, bake for an extra 5-10 minutes while keeping an eye on the liquid levels.
Serve with Creamy Tzatziki
Once done, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Top the baked dish generously with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Serve warm and enjoy!
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Here are some tips I’ve learned while making this dish:
- Don’t skip the marinade: It’s this step that infuses the chicken and rice with unmatched flavor.
- Use fresh herbs wherever possible: They make the dish bright and vibrant.
- Grate the zucchini finely: This ensures it blends seamlessly into the dish rather than being too chunky.
- Bake covered: Keeping the dish tightly covered helps the rice cook evenly without drying out.
How to Serve Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas:
- Toppings Bar: Set up a small toppings station with sliced olives, diced tomatoes, or crumbled feta.
- Crunchy Add-ons: Garnish with crushed pita chips or a cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch.
Looking for more dinner inspiration? Check out these creative dinner recipes to keep your menu exciting.
Nutritional Information
One serving of this dish is approximately:
- Calories: 384
- Protein: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fat: 11g
How to Store the Dish
To save leftovers, follow these simple storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth to revive the flavors.
- Freezing: While freezing is not ideal for rice due to potential mushiness, you can freeze the chicken separately if needed.
- Reheating: Cover and bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 20 minutes. For smaller portions, use a microwave for a minute or two until warmed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s what makes this recipe a keeper:
- Minimal Effort: The dump-and-bake method keeps things simple.
- Packed with Flavor: Warm spices and creamy tzatziki make every bite exciting.
- Nutritious: A balanced meal with protein, carbs, and hidden veggies.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust for various diets and ingredient preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers taste just as good, making weeknight dinners stress-free.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely before marinating to ensure the flavors penetrate.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace tzatziki sauce with a dairy-free alternative or simply sprinkle fresh herbs and lemon juice on top.
Do I have to use zucchini?
No, you can leave it out or replace it with another grated vegetable like carrots or even diced bell peppers.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
It’s not recommended for this recipe since brown rice requires longer cooking time and more liquid.