Juicy, marinated chicken paired with fluffy, seasoned rice and crowned with a refreshing, creamy tzatziki sauce—this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice recipe is an easy dinner winner. All the bold Mediterranean flavors come together effortlessly in one pan, letting the oven do all the hard work. Whether you’re looking to meal prep or whip up a crowd-pleasing weeknight meal, this dish brings both flavor and convenience to the table.

What sets this recipe apart is the balance of textures and flavors. The chicken is seasoned with herbs and spices that roast beautifully in the oven while the rice absorbs all those savory juices. The final touch—a dollop of homemade or store-bought tzatziki—adds a zesty, cooling contrast that makes every bite irresistible. It’s comfort food with a Mediterranean twist!

Ingredients for Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lemon
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray. Spread the uncooked rice evenly over the bottom of the dish.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Pour this seasoned mixture evenly over the rice in the baking dish.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Nestle the chicken chunks into the rice mixture. Make sure they are evenly distributed and slightly pressed down into the liquid so they stay moist during baking.

Step 4: Bake It All Together

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

Step 5: Make the Tzatziki

While the dish is baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve for the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the chicken and rice are ready, let the dish sit for 5 minutes to allow the rice to firm up. Spoon the tzatziki sauce generously over each serving and garnish with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge. Serve warm and enjoy the medley of savory, creamy, and zesty flavors!

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~38g
Fat: ~15g
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~3g
Sodium: ~550mg
(Nutrition may vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.)

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal as it stays fluffy and cooks evenly in the oven. Avoid using instant or brown rice as cooking times and textures differ.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness. Just trim excess fat and use the same baking time.

Is store-bought tzatziki okay to use?

Absolutely. While homemade has fresher flavors, a good quality store-bought tzatziki saves time and still tastes great.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, just skip the tzatziki or use a dairy-free yogurt alternative to make your own.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and no longer looks pink in the center.

Can I add vegetables to this bake?

Sure! Chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach can be mixed in for added nutrition and color.

What makes this a great meal prep option?

It’s one dish, easy to portion, and stores well. Just reheat and top with tzatziki for a fresh taste every time.

How can I make this spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for an extra kick.

Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 3 minute
Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Description

Looking for the ultimate easy dinner idea with bold Mediterranean flavor? This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice recipe is exactly what you need! Packed with tender, herbed chicken, fragrant seasoned rice, and a cool, creamy tzatziki topping, it’s the perfect balance of comfort and freshness. Whether you’re craving quick meal prep, a healthy snack, or something new to shake up your dinner ideas, this dish delivers vibrant taste with minimal effort. Plus, it’s all made in one pan—no mess, no stress. From weeknight meals to crowd-pleasing food ideas, this easy recipe is one to save and savor.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the dish.
In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Pour the mixture over the rice.
Add chicken chunks evenly throughout, slightly pressing them into the liquid.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes.
Uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until chicken is cooked and rice is tender.
Meanwhile, mix all tzatziki sauce ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate.
Let the baked dish sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with a generous dollop of tzatziki, chopped parsley, and lemon wedges.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
Category: Dinner