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

Classic Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake — cool sauce + warm bake.

This easy dump-and-bake recipe features tender chicken and fluffy rice cooked with aromatic spices, topped with a refreshing tzatziki sauce for a delicious and complete meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 people
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs Chicken Thighs or Breast boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1.5 cups Uncooked Long-Grain White Rice
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • Salt & Black Pepper To taste
  • 0.5 Lemon juiced (about 1-2 tablespoons)

For Serving

  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill or Parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 cup Prepared Tzatziki Sauce for serving

Instructions
 

Baking

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In the baking dish, combine rice, chicken broth, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; stir well.
  • Arrange chicken pieces evenly over the rice mixture, pressing them lightly into the liquid.
  • Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove foil, fluff the rice, and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  • If rice is still firm, add 1/4 cup hot broth or water, cover, and bake for 5-10 additional minutes.

Serving

  • Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven.
  • Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with dill or parsley if desired.
  • Serve immediately with generous dollops of cool tzatziki sauce.

Notes

Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. For an extra touch of freshness, consider a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley just before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving as chicken broth and tzatziki sauce can vary in saltiness.