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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
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This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe is a simple, fresh, and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy nights. It combines tender chicken breasts, fluffy long grain rice, and a creamy, tangy homemade tzatziki sauce, baked together for easy preparation and vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Ideal for family dinners or meal prepping, it offers convenience, versatility, and a delicious taste with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup long grain rice, uncooked
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cucumber, grated and well drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tzatziki sauce: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out all excess moisture to keep the sauce thick and creamy. In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
  2. Assemble and season the chicken and rice: Spread the uncooked long grain rice evenly in the bottom of a baking dish. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice. Pour chicken broth or water around the edges of the dish over the rice.
  3. Add the tzatziki and bake: Spoon the prepared tzatziki sauce generously over the chicken breasts. This will bake into the chicken, infusing it with creamy flavor as everything cooks together.
  4. Bake until cooked through: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

  • Drain the grated cucumber well to prevent watery tzatziki sauce.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.
  • Cover the baking dish with foil to keep moisture locked in and maintain juicy chicken and tender rice.
  • Let the dish rest after baking for improved texture and flavor distribution.
  • Broth can be substituted with vegetable broth for extra savory depth or to suit dietary preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken, Tzatziki, Rice, Mediterranean, One-Pan, Easy, Quick Dinner, Gluten Free

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/dump-and-bake-chicken-tzatziki-with-rice-recipe/