Imagine coming home after a long day, craving a hearty, flavorful dinner but dreading the thought of spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice comes to the rescue. It’s a complete meal packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, fresh zucchini, and a medley of Mediterranean-inspired flavors—all baked in one pan. The best part? Minimal prep and cleanup, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

This dish combines the richness of spiced chicken, the lightness of fresh herbs, and the creamy tanginess of tzatziki sauce, creating a comforting yet fresh dish the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice such a standout? Here are just a few reasons:

• Easy One-Pan Meal: You literally “dump” the ingredients into a single baking dish and let the oven do the work.
• Healthy and Balanced: Protein-packed chicken, fiber-rich zucchini, and wholesome rice make this a nutritious option.
• Big on Flavor: The marinade and seasonings bring vibrant Mediterranean spices to every bite.
• Customizable: Adjust the herbs, spices, and toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients for Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this flavorful, easy dinner:

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 1½ cups)
• 2 cups chicken broth

Marinade Base

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh Herbs

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried)

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Serving

• Tzatziki sauce
• Pita bread
• Fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or chives)
• Fresh lemon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a perfect Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice that’s bursting with flavor:

1. Prep Your Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

2. Marinate the Chicken

In the baking dish, combine the diced chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, thyme), and all the seasonings (paprika, seasoned salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne). Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F.

Pro Tip: If you have time, let the chicken marinate for longer (up to 2 hours in the fridge) for even more flavor.

3. Add the Rice and Zucchini

After marinating, add 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice and 1½ cups of grated zucchini to the dish. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and stir everything together until well combined.

4. Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap the steam and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes. The foil helps the rice cook evenly without drying out.

Check for Doneness: After 40 minutes, check if the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If it’s not quite ready, return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes.

5. Fluff and Serve

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and adjust the seasoning to taste. Serve warm, topped with tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon. Add pita bread on the side for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

What Makes This Dish Special?

This recipe shines because it’s:

• Full of Flavor: The chicken is marinated in a vibrant mix of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh herbs, and spices, ensuring every bite is packed with taste.
• Perfectly Cooked Rice: Baking the rice alongside the chicken allows it to soak up the marinade and chicken broth for incredible flavor.
• Nutrient-Rich: The addition of zucchini not only boosts the dish’s nutritional value but also keeps it moist and flavorful.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	375 kcal
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fat	10g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	700mg

Note: These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Tips for the Perfect Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

1. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, oregano, and thyme add bright, authentic Mediterranean flavors, but dried herbs work in a pinch.
2. Choose Your Chicken Wisely: Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts during baking, so use thighs if you prefer a richer texture.
3. Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the dish ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors from the chicken and broth.
4. Grate the Zucchini Coarsely: The zucchini should blend into the rice without turning mushy. Coarse grating is ideal.
5. Make It Creamy: For an extra indulgent dish, stir in 1/4 cup of tzatziki sauce to the cooked rice before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but you can elevate it with these serving ideas:

• Pair it with warm pita bread or naan for dipping.
• Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese.
• Add a side of roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers for a complete meal.
• Top with extra tzatziki sauce and a sprinkle of fresh dill for a creamy, herby finish.

FAQs About Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and about 15-20 additional minutes in the oven.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish (marinated chicken, rice, zucchini, and broth) a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving.

3. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work perfectly. Use half the amount of dried herbs as fresh ones (e.g., ½ teaspoon dried parsley instead of 1 tablespoon fresh).

4. Can I use chicken thighs with the skin on?

It’s better to use skinless chicken for this recipe to avoid excess grease in the rice.

5. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Diced bell peppers, carrots, or even chopped spinach can be mixed in for extra color and nutrients.

6. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Conclusion: A Flavorful One-Pan Dinner You’ll Make Again and Again

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice isn’t just a recipe—it’s a stress-free way to create a wholesome, flavorful meal that brings the Mediterranean to your dinner table. With minimal prep, no complicated techniques, and bold flavors, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

So grab your baking dish, toss in the ingredients, and let your oven work its magic. Don’t forget the tzatziki sauce and pita bread for the ultimate finishing touch. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Print