Oh my goodness, friends! I’m bouncing with excitement because I have the most delightful recipe to share with you! Imagine a dish that requires zero fuss but delivers big on flavor – yes, that’s right! We’re about to dive into the wonderful world of Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice! This dazzling creation is not just easy to whip up, but it’s also packed with bright Greek flavors that will make your taste buds sing! Ready? Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe
This tasty recipe is like a hug on a plate, combining tender chicken, flavorful spices, and creamy tzatziki, all baked together with fluffy rice! You’ll adore how the chicken marinates in lemony goodness while soaking up all those wonderful herb flavors! Plus, the best part? There’s practically no mess involved since it’s all done in one pan! It’s perfect for busy weeknights, a cozy family dinner, or impressing friends at a gathering. Trust me; you’re going to want this in your meal rotation!
How to make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice
Let’s gather our ingredients and get our cook on, shall we?
Ingredients for Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice:
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs (diced into bite-size pieces)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s brand)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 medium zucchini (coarsely grated, about 1 ½ cups grated)
- 2 cups chicken broth
For serving:
- Tzatziki
- Fresh herbs
- Lemon wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In the prepared dish, toss chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne. Let the chicken sit and marinate in the herbs and spices at room temperature for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Add the uncooked rice, zucchini, and chicken broth to the pan with the chicken. Stir to combine.
- Cover tightly and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. The total cooking time will vary based on a number of factors, including the type of pan that you use and your individual oven. Glass or ceramic baking dishes will take longer than metal pans, for instance. To know when your casserole is done, taste a bite of the rice. The rice should be tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed.
- Use a fork to stir and fluff the rice. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Serve the chicken and rice topped with tzatziki, fresh herbs, and lemon.
What to Serve With Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice
This dish is so versatile and can be served on its own or with a vibrant Greek salad to brighten it up even more! Feel free to add some warm pita bread or a lovely side of roasted vegetables for a colorful spread! The freshness of your sides will complement the dish beautifully!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips of Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice
You can totally make this a day ahead! Just prepare everything, pop it in the fridge, and then bake it when you’re ready! Leftovers? Yes, please! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready to go!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice
- Make sure to dice your chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking!
- Don’t skip the marinating step; it makes a world of difference in flavor!
- If you like a little extra kick, feel free to add more cayenne!
- Experiment with veggies! Bell peppers, spinach, or carrots could be amazing additions to this dish!
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Swap out the chicken for turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
- If you don’t have zucchini, any other vegetable can work beautifully—try broccoli or spinach!
- Use brown rice for a whole grain option; just keep in mind you may need to adjust your cooking time!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! Just make sure to add a little extra cooking time and check that the chicken is fully cooked through.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
For sure! You can marinate and assemble it ahead of time, then pop it in the oven right before serving!
What if I don’t have tzatziki?
No worries! A dollop of Greek yogurt with a squeeze of lemon, garlic, and dill can be a fantastic substitute!
Oh, my dear foodie friends! I can’t wait for you to try this amazing Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice! It’s simple, wholesome, and bursting with flavor – just like a warm hug in a bowl! Happy cooking, and let me know how it turns out! 🍽️✨
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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Poultry
Description
A hassle-free recipe combining tender chicken, fragrant spices, and creamy tzatziki, all baked with fluffy rice for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or ½ teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 medium zucchini (coarsely grated, about 1 ½ cups)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Tzatziki (for serving)
- Fresh herbs (for serving)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- In the prepared dish, toss chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Add the uncooked rice, zucchini, and chicken broth to the pan with the chicken. Stir to combine.
- Cover tightly and bake for 50-60 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve topped with tzatziki, fresh herbs, and lemon.
Notes
Make sure to dice your chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. Don’t skip the marinating step; it enhances flavor. Feel free to experiment with veggies!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg