Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice – Effortless Family Supper Recipe

Some evenings call for simplicity — the kind of meal that lets you breathe, unwind, and still serve something wholesome and satisfying. Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is exactly that kind of recipe. It’s inspired by the sunny flavors of Greek cuisine, yet designed for real-life family schedules where time is precious and energy runs low. This dish is warm, nourishing, and deeply comforting, all while requiring minimal effort and cleanup.

What makes dump-and-bake meals so beloved is their honesty. There’s no pre-cooking, no juggling multiple pans, and no complicated techniques. You simply layer the ingredients, cover the dish, and let the oven do the work. As everything bakes together, the rice absorbs the seasoned broth, the chicken becomes tender and juicy, and the flavors gently meld into something greater than the sum of their parts. By the time it comes out of the oven, dinner feels thoughtfully prepared — even if the process was wonderfully hands-off.

The tzatziki element brings a creamy, tangy freshness that sets this dish apart from ordinary chicken-and-rice casseroles. Cool yogurt, garlic, cucumber, and herbs balance the warmth of the baked chicken and rice, creating a meal that feels both comforting and light. It’s a beautiful example of how traditional flavors can be adapted into easy, family-friendly cooking without losing their soul.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual family gatherings, or even meal prep for the days ahead. Serve it straight from the baking dish, add a simple salad or warm pita on the side, and enjoy a supper that feels generous, nourishing, and made with care. Let’s get cooking.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients 🛒

For the Chicken and Rice Bake

• 1½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of ½ lemon

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1½ cups plain Greek yogurt
• 1 small cucumber, grated and moisture squeezed out
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• Salt, to taste

Optional Toppings

• Crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh parsley or dill
• Sliced olives
• Warm pita bread for serving

Print

Step-by-Step Directions 👩‍🍳

1. Preheat and prepare. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the rice. Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This creates the foundation of the meal and ensures even cooking.
3. Season the chicken. Place the chicken breasts or thighs directly on top of the rice. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon zest.
4. Add liquid. Carefully pour the chicken broth around the chicken, making sure the rice is fully submerged. Add the lemon juice for brightness.
5. Cover and bake. Tightly cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 45–50 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and the chicken to cook gently.
6. Uncover and finish. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is lightly golden on top.
7. Rest the dish. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the rice finish absorbing any remaining liquid.
8. Prepare the tzatziki. While the dish rests, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, and salt in a bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
9. Serve. Spoon generous portions of chicken and rice onto plates and top with a dollop of tzatziki. Add feta, herbs, or olives if desired.

Nutritional Information 🥗

This dish is balanced, comforting, and family-friendly. Chicken provides lean protein, rice offers steady energy, and tzatziki adds probiotics and freshness. It’s a satisfying meal that doesn’t feel heavy, making it ideal for both adults and kids.

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Baking Time: 60 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

⚡ Calories per serving: ~480
🍽️ Servings: 4–5

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g

This Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice recipe is a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few pantry staples and classic Mediterranean flavors, you can put a warm, wholesome meal on the table that everyone looks forward to. It’s the kind of supper that brings people together — simple, generous, and made to be shared. 💛🍽️

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!

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