This Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice is a tasty one-pan meal. Just toss everything in a dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. It’s super simple!
What’s great is the refreshing tzatziki rice that pairs perfectly with the chicken. I love how I can have dinner ready with hardly any fuss. Less time cooking means more time to enjoy! 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this dish, as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you need a substitute, try thighs for richer flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and color to the dish. If you don’t have them, you can swap in diced regular tomatoes or even use a mix of other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is a staple here, but you can also use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Greek Yogurt: This thick and creamy yogurt makes the tzatziki so good! If you’re dairy-free, use coconut yogurt or a vegan yogurt alternative. Both still give it a nice tang.
How Do I Get My Chicken Juicy and Perfectly Cooked?
To ensure your chicken is juicy and fully cooked, it’s important to monitor the baking time. Here’s how:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking.
- Make sure your chicken is in a single layer in the dish. Crowded chicken will cook unevenly!
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. 165°F (74°C) is the magic number for perfectly cooked chicken.
Also, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after removal from the oven helps keep it juicy!
Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bake:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Tzatziki Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, finely grated or diced
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes of baking time. You’ll have delicious chicken and tzatziki rice ready in approximately 50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Chicken Bake:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. It’s like giving the chicken a cozy, flavorful bath!
3. Assemble in a Baking Dish:
Transfer the chicken and veggie mixture into a baking dish and spread it out in a single layer. This helps everything cook evenly so you get deliciously tender chicken and roasted veggies.
4. Bake:
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the veggies are tender. The aroma will be irresistible!
5. Cook the Rice:
While the chicken is baking, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Once it’s done, fluff the rice with a fork for a light, airy texture.
6. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well. This sauce brings refreshing flavors to your dish!
7. Combine Tzatziki with Rice:
Gently fold the tzatziki sauce into the cooked rice until well combined and creamy. This will make your rice taste amazing!
8. Serve:
Plate the chicken and baked vegetables alongside the tzatziki rice. Optionally, garnish with extra fresh dill or lemon wedges for a bright touch. Enjoy your delicious, simple meal!
Your Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice is ready to satisfy your taste buds!
FAQ for Easy Dump and Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before preparing the dish. You can thaw chicken in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water until it’s thawed. Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What Can I Replace Greek Yogurt With?
If you’re looking for a substitute for Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt. Both will still give you that creamy tzatziki sauce, just with slightly different flavors!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. If the rice seems dry after reheating, add a splash of water or broth to help revive it!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables based on your preference. Zucchini, asparagus, or even broccoli would work beautifully. Just cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking!
