Hello friends, Chef André here!
Some nights, all you want is a hands-off dinner that still feels fresh, comforting, and full of flavor—and this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is exactly that kind of recipe.
Inspired by the bright, creamy look of chicken nestled over fluffy rice and finished with cool tzatziki, this dish brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your oven with almost no prep. No sautéing, no pre-cooking the rice—just mix everything together, bake, and let the oven do the work.
What I love most about this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is how practical it is. It’s naturally gluten-free, budget-friendly, perfect for family dinners, and ideal for meal prep. The chicken stays juicy, the rice turns perfectly tender, and the tzatziki adds a fresh, tangy finish that makes the whole dish feel light and satisfying.
Why This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Is a Family Favorite
This recipe works beautifully because it’s:
- True dump-and-bake – no stovetop required
- One-pan meal with easy cleanup
- Mediterranean-inspired & fresh
- Gluten-free, naturally
- Perfect for meal prep & leftovers
It’s cozy comfort food with a bright, healthy twist.
Ingredients for Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Here’s everything you’ll need for this easy oven dinner:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2¾ cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup diced cucumber (optional, for freshness)
- Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Smart Substitutions by Chef André
- Chicken thighs for extra juiciness
- Brown rice (increase liquid + baking time)
- Greek yogurt + cucumber + garlic if no tzatziki
- Vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
Step-by-Step Preparation – Chef André Guides You
1. Preheat & Season
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
2. Dump Everything In
In a large baking dish, add uncooked rice, chicken broth, and olive oil. Stir gently.
Nestle seasoned chicken directly into the rice mixture.
3. Bake Until Tender
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C).
4. Finish with Tzatziki
Remove foil and spoon tzatziki generously over the chicken.
Return uncovered to the oven for 10–15 minutes, just until warmed through and slightly golden on top.
Garnish with fresh dill and serve with lemon wedges.
Creative Variations by Chef André
Make this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice your own:
🧄 Garlic Lover’s Version
Add minced garlic to the rice before baking.
🫒 Greek-Inspired Twist
Add olives and cherry tomatoes during the last 15 minutes.
🧀 Creamy Upgrade
Mix a little feta into the rice after baking.
🌶 Spicy Mediterranean
Add chili flakes or harissa to the chicken seasoning.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Dump-and-Bake Results
- Cover tightly so rice cooks evenly
- Don’t stir during baking
- Use long-grain rice for best texture
- Add tzatziki at the end to keep it fresh
These small details ensure fluffy rice and juicy chicken.
What to Serve with Chicken Tzatziki Rice
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Simple Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Warm pita or naan
- Steamed green beans
It’s filling enough on its own, but great with fresh sides.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 4 days
- Reheat: Oven at 350°F or microwave
- Freezer: Freeze without tzatziki for best texture
FAQ – Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Can I use cooked rice?
Yes, reduce broth by half and shorten baking time.
Will the rice be mushy?
No—proper liquid ratio keeps it fluffy.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely, it reheats very well.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! Mild, creamy, and comforting.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
(Values vary depending on tzatziki and chicken cut.)
Conclusion – Chef André’s No-Stress Mediterranean Dinner 🍋🍚
This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice proves that effortless dinners can still feel fresh, hearty, and homemade. With minimal prep, one pan, and bright Mediterranean flavors, it’s the kind of recipe that saves busy evenings and keeps everyone happy.
If you try it, leave a comment, rate the recipe, and tell me how your family enjoyed it!
For safe handling and storage of poultry, I always recommend USDA Food Safety:
Happy cooking,
Chef André 👨🍳