Name: Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 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; Tzatziki sauce; Pita bread; Chopped fresh herbs such as fresh dill, basil, parsley, or chives; Fresh lemon wedges

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If you’re searching for a comforting, flavorful meal that requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum delight, this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. It’s a dazzling blend of tender, herb-infused chicken, fluffy rice, and the fresh, cooling tang of tzatziki that makes every bite sing. The best part? You literally dump everything in one dish, bake it, and come back to a perfectly cooked, vibrant meal bursting with Mediterranean charm. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular baking dish with green handles contains small chunks of cooked chicken lightly coated in an orange-brown sauce with bits of green herbs sprinkled throughout. The chicken pieces are spread unevenly across the bottom of the dish, showing a moist and slightly glossy texture. The dish rests on a white marbled surface next to a gray cloth on the left side. The scene is bright and natural, focusing clearly on the chicken pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe rests on a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component plays its part in layering flavor, texture, and that beautiful pop of color that will make this dish as photogenic as it is delicious.

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Bite-sized pieces that absorb all those amazing herbs and spices.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity that balances the richness.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps marry the marinade and keep the chicken juicy.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbal note, but dried works in a pinch.
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano: Classic Mediterranean flavor, perfect in this dish.
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme: Adds earthiness and depth.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky warmth.
¾ teaspoon seasoned salt: For a balanced, savory foundation.
½ teaspoon cumin: Earthy spice that works beautifully with the other herbs.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds gentle onion flavor without bulk.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Essential for savory depth.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Just enough bite to awaken the palate.
¼ teaspoon turmeric: Offers a vibrant golden-yellow hue and mild earthiness.
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper: A tiny hint of heat that adds complexity.
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: The base that soaks up all those delicious juices.
1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated: Adds moisture, color, and subtle sweetness.
2 cups chicken broth: The cooking liquid that flavors and tenderizes the rice and chicken.
Tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and fresh herbs for serving: To elevate the dish and add fresh tangy contrasts.

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by greasing a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with either oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with lemon juice, olive oil, and all the herbs and spices listed. This flavorful marinade lets the chicken soak up bold Mediterranean notes while resting for 30 minutes at room temperature. This step is crucial—it ensures every bite bursts with herbal richness and subtle warmth from the paprika, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne.

Step 2: Combine with Rice and Zucchini

Once your chicken has marinated, add the uncooked rice, coarsely grated zucchini, and chicken broth straight into the same baking dish. Stir everything together thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients. The zucchini adds moisture and a fresh green pop, while the rice is ready to absorb the savory broth and spices during baking. Don’t skip stirring; it helps the flavors mingle beautifully before baking.

Step 3: Cover and Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam and moisture—this trick is what ensures the rice cooks perfectly tender while the chicken stays juicy. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 to 50 minutes if using a metal pan, or 50 to 60 minutes for glass or ceramic pans. Every oven is a bit different, so check the rice toward the end of cooking; it should be tender and fluffy, having soaked up all that delicious broth.

Step 4: Fluff, Season, and Serve

Once baked, carefully remove the foil and fluff the rice with a fork to mix everything nicely and prevent clumping. Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper to your liking—seasoning at this stage lets you fine-tune the flavors. Serve warm, topped generously with cool, creamy tzatziki sauce, fresh chopped herbs, and an extra squeeze of lemon for brightness. Don’t forget some warm pita bread on the side for that authentic Mediterranean experience.

How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered yellow rice and small chicken pieces mixed with herbs. The rice layers have a fluffy texture with hints of green herbs spread evenly through the dish. On top, there are dollops of white yogurt sauce placed in five spots, each topped with fresh green parsley leaves. Thin lemon slices decorate the surface, adding a bright yellow contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a wooden cutting board partially visible underneath. Around the dish, there are white plates with pita bread, lemon slices, a small white bowl of yogurt sauce, and a colorful vegetable salad. A metallic spoon with a dark rustic handle is placed inside the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, basil, or chives sprinkled over the top bring a vibrant color and fresh aroma that perfectly complement the dish’s rich and smoky undertones. A dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce on each serving adds a cooling tang that balances the spices, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s irresistible.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, serve this dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki and rice recipe alongside crisp cucumber and tomato salad, roasted Mediterranean vegetables, or even a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. Warm pita bread is a must-have for scooping and dipping, making every bite even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a lovely presentation, try serving the chicken and rice in individual ramekins topped with tzatziki and fresh herbs. You can also plate it family-style in the baking dish, garnished with lemon wedges and extra herbs, perfect for casual gatherings or cozy dinners. Adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the top before serving lends a beautiful shine and an added layer of richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners. Just be sure to keep the tzatziki sauce separate to maintain its fresh texture.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Pack the chicken and rice in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Avoid freezing with the tzatziki sauce, as it can split; instead, add fresh tzatziki after reheating for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or in a covered pan over low heat to prevent drying out the chicken and rice. Add a splash of water or broth if the rice seems dry. Once warmed through, add a fresh scoop of tzatziki and a squeeze of lemon to refresh the flavors and brighten up your meal.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice; however, brown rice takes longer to cook, so you will need to increase the baking time and the amount of broth accordingly. This might require some trial and error, but the hearty nuttiness of brown rice adds a lovely twist to the dish.

Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work fantastically in this recipe because they remain juicy and tender during baking. They also soak up all the spices beautifully, lending a richer flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces to match the cooking time.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

The main dairy component is the tzatziki sauce served on top. For a dairy-free option, swap tzatziki for a dairy-free yogurt or a cucumber salsa. The main chicken and rice bake itself is naturally dairy-free, making it easy to customize.

What if I don’t have all the fresh herbs?

No worries if you don’t have fresh herbs on hand. Dried parsley, oregano, and thyme work just fine. Use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. This recipe’s vibrant spices and seasonings will still deliver plenty of flavor.

Why do I need to cover the dish tightly while baking?

Covering the dish tightly prevents moisture from escaping, which is essential for perfectly cooking the rice and keeping the chicken tender and juicy. The trapped steam cooks everything evenly, resulting in that lovely one-pot, dump-and-bake magic.

Final Thoughts

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe is truly a gem for anyone who loves Mediterranean flavors but values simplicity in the kitchen. It’s a satisfying, wholesome meal that feels both comforting and fresh, made possible by dumping all the ingredients into one dish and letting your oven work the magic. Give this recipe a try—it might just become your new favorite dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious!