Imagine a dish that combines the vibrant, tangy flavors of Greek tzatziki sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice—all made with minimal effort in a single baking dish. This Mediterranean-inspired casserole is packed with protein, fresh herbs, and creamy yogurt goodness, making it an easy and wholesome meal for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Minimal chopping and no pre-cooking required.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Nutritious and Flavorful: A perfect balance of lean protein, healthy fats, and wholesome ingredients.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to dietary preferences.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup grated cucumber (excess water squeezed out)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Casserole Base
In the baking dish, mix the uncooked rice, chicken broth, olive oil, garlic, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
3. Add Chicken and Yogurt Mixture
- Arrange the chicken pieces evenly over the rice mixture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper to create the tzatziki sauce.
- Pour the tzatziki mixture evenly over the chicken and rice, spreading gently with the back of a spoon.
4. Bake
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
5. Add Toppings and Serve
- Remove the foil and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top, if desired.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes, uncovered, to slightly melt the cheese.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or warm pita bread.
- Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Tips for Success
- Use Long-Grain Rice: Basmati or jasmine rice ensures even cooking without getting mushy.
- Squeeze the Cucumber Well: This keeps the tzatziki sauce from becoming watery.
- Adjust Liquid Levels: If the rice appears dry during baking, add a splash of broth or water.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit before serving enhances the flavors.
Variations
- Swap Proteins: Substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with chickpeas or roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth.
- Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice, adjusting the baking time accordingly.
- Extra Veggies: Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, or artichoke hearts for extra color and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but increase the broth slightly and extend the cooking time by 15–20 minutes.
What if I don’t have all the tzatziki ingredients? Use store-bought tzatziki or mix plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic powder, and dried dill as a quick substitute.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking? Grease the baking dish well and ensure the broth fully covers the rice before baking.
Conclusion
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a foolproof recipe that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this easy casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!