Name: Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 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)

Description

A simple and delicious meal combining tender chicken, creamy tzatziki, and fluffy rice—all baked in one dish.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
In the baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth (or water), olive oil, garlic, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Arrange the chicken pieces evenly over the rice mixture.
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice to create the tzatziki base. Pour the yogurt mixture evenly over the chicken and rice, spreading it gently with the back of a spoon.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Remove the foil and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top, if desired. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, uncovered, to melt the cheese slightly.
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and let the dish sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or chickpeas for a different source of protein.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 75mg