Chicken Tzatziki Rice Casserole

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a simple, no-prep meal that delivers incredible Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort. Tender chicken, seasoned rice, and a creamy tzatziki sauce come together in one dish, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation – Just dump the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the work.
• One-Pan Convenience – Fewer dishes to clean up after dinner.
• Bold Mediterranean Flavors – A delicious blend of herbs, spices, and tzatziki sauce.
• Nutritious & Balanced – Includes lean protein, whole grains, and vegetables.
• Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers reheat well for a quick meal the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• ½ cup tzatziki sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 zucchini, coarsely grated (about 1½ cups)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 fresh lemon
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp fresh oregano
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• ¾ tsp seasoned salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp cumin
• 1 pita bread
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish – Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
3. Combine Ingredients – In the baking dish, add the rice, chicken broth, grated zucchini, olive oil, lemon juice, and all the seasonings. Stir to combine.
4. Add the Chicken – Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice mixture.
5. Bake – Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the rice is tender.
6. Remove and Rest – Take the dish out of the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
7. Add Tzatziki – Drizzle tzatziki sauce over the top and garnish with fresh herbs.
8. Serve – Enjoy with warm pita bread and extra tzatziki on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Use Brown Rice – Swap white rice for brown rice, but increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.
• Vegetarian Option – Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based version.
• Extra Veggies – Add diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach for more nutrients.
• Spicy Kick – Increase cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes for heat.
• Dairy-Free – Use a dairy-free tzatziki alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing – Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating – Warm in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

No, this recipe requires uncooked rice since it absorbs the broth while baking.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, but you can also use basmati or jasmine rice.

Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

Yes, store-bought tzatziki works perfectly, but homemade tzatziki enhances the flavor.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 4-5 hours, but reduce the broth slightly to prevent mushy rice.

What can I serve with this dish?

Pair it with a Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or hummus and pita bread.

How can I make the rice fluffier?

Let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking before fluffing the rice with a fork.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you skip the pita bread or use a gluten-free version.

Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and stay juicier during baking.

Conclusion

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a simple, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort. With its combination of tender chicken, spiced rice, and creamy tzatziki sauce, this dish is perfect for busy nights. Whether you meal prep or serve it fresh, this one-pan wonder will quickly become a household favorite.

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