Description
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is an easy, one-dish meal with juicy chicken, creamy tzatziki, and rice—perfect for weeknight dinners.
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
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess 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)
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
Mix the Base
In the baking dish, add the uncooked rice, chicken broth or water, olive oil, garlic, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Stir the mixture to evenly combine the seasonings.
Layer the Chicken and Yogurt
Place the chicken pieces evenly over the seasoned rice base.
In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice.
Pour this yogurt mixture evenly over the chicken and rice, then smooth it gently with a spoon.
Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
Add Toppings and Finish
Remove the foil and, if using, sprinkle crumbled feta on top.
Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese slightly.
Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
Serve warm with a side salad or warm pita bread.
Notes
You can use store-bought tzatziki in a pinch—just thin with a bit of lemon juice before adding.
Substitute brown rice, but extend the cooking time by 15–20 minutes and add more broth.
Add chopped cherry tomatoes, spinach, or artichokes for a veggie-packed variation.
Great dish for meal prep or feeding a crowd with minimal hands-on work.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean
Keywords: tzatziki casserole, chicken rice bake, Greek casserole, one-pan dinner, easy Mediterranean recipe