The bold and zesty flavors of the Mediterranean come together in this no-fuss, dump-and-bake dish. Creamy Greek tzatziki, savory chicken, and fluffy rice bake all in one casserole for a rich, comforting dinner that’s surprisingly light and fresh.
Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe brings Greek-inspired magic to your table without dirtying multiple pans. The tangy yogurt and cucumber sauce keeps the chicken tender and juicy, while bright tomatoes and feta add texture and pop. It’s a complete meal baked to perfection!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
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1 1/2 cups long grain white rice (uncooked)
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt
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1/2 cup cucumber, finely grated and drained
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
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Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large 9×13 inch baking dish, combine uncooked rice and chicken broth. Stir to distribute evenly.
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Arrange the raw chicken chunks evenly over the rice.
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In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper to create the tzatziki sauce.
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Spoon the tzatziki mixture over the chicken, spreading it out evenly.
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Scatter cherry tomatoes and red onion over the top.
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Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes.
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Remove foil, sprinkle with feta, and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
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Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 435 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Mediterranean-Inspired Comfort Dish
When it comes to wholesome comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor, few dishes compete with a Mediterranean-style bake. This Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a standout example—a Greek-inspired casserole that combines juicy chicken, fragrant rice, creamy tzatziki, and bursts of fresh herbs and vegetables. It’s one of those “set it and forget it” meals that also happens to be healthy, balanced, and absolutely delicious.
What makes this recipe so appealing is its ability to offer all the vibrant, refreshing flavors of a traditional Greek platter in the convenience of a one-pan meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family of four or prepping meals for the week, this dish checks all the boxes: simplicity, nutrition, and satisfying flavor.
The Origins of Tzatziki and Why It Works in a Bake
Tzatziki, a beloved staple in Greek cuisine, is a creamy yogurt-based sauce made with cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and herbs such as dill or mint. It’s traditionally served as a dip or sauce for grilled meats, particularly lamb or chicken. Its cooling, tangy profile makes it ideal for balancing out spicy or savory components, which is exactly what it does in this recipe.
While it might seem unconventional to bake a yogurt-based sauce, Greek yogurt is thick and stable enough to hold up in the oven. It doesn’t curdle easily, especially when combined with acidic components like lemon juice and vinegar. When layered over chicken and rice, tzatziki melts into a creamy blanket that infuses the entire dish with a tangy, herby flavor that’s comforting yet refreshing.
One-Pan Magic for Busy Lifestyles
The dump-and-bake method isn’t just a catchy name—it’s a busy cook’s best friend. You don’t have to sauté, pre-cook, or hover over the stove. All the ingredients are combined raw in a casserole dish, covered, and then baked in the oven until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
This method saves time and energy, both in cooking and cleanup. It’s ideal for weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend an hour in the kitchen. Plus, it makes meal prep effortless. The dish reheats beautifully and can even be portioned out and frozen for later meals.
Nutritional Balance You Can Feel Good About
This casserole isn’t just easy to make—it’s also incredibly nutritious. Here’s why:
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Lean Protein: Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle repair.
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Whole Ingredients: The tzatziki sauce is made from real Greek yogurt, fresh cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil—no preservatives or additives.
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Complex Carbohydrates: The rice provides slow-digesting carbs, offering steady energy throughout the day.
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Low Sugar, High Flavor: You get bold flavor without the need for added sugar or heavy cream.
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Calcium & Probiotics: Greek yogurt offers calcium and live cultures that support gut health.
By combining these elements, the recipe becomes a full, well-rounded meal. It’s satisfying without being heavy, and indulgent without being unhealthy.
Flavor Profile: Tangy, Savory, and Bright
One of the key reasons this recipe stands out is its flavor complexity. The tang from the yogurt and lemon cuts through the richness of the chicken and rice. Garlic and dill add depth, while the red onions and cherry tomatoes brighten each bite with sweetness and acidity. Crumbled feta cheese on top brings a salty, creamy contrast, and fresh herbs finish everything off with a pop of color and freshness.
Every bite is layered: creamy tzatziki melts into savory chicken juices, soaking into perfectly cooked rice. The tomatoes burst slightly in the oven, releasing their juices and adding an almost sauce-like effect. It’s the kind of dish where every forkful is just as exciting as the last.
Easy to Customize for Your Preferences
While the base recipe is flavorful as is, this dish is also highly adaptable:
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Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
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Low-Carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice. Just reduce the liquid slightly to avoid sogginess.
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Spice Lovers: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or chopped chili to the tzatziki mixture.
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Herb Variations: Use mint instead of dill, or add oregano for a more traditional Greek flavor.
You can even swap in brown rice or quinoa for a fiber boost, though you’ll need to adjust the baking time and liquid ratio accordingly. This flexibility makes the recipe accessible to a wide variety of diets and preferences.
Perfect for Family Dinners and Entertaining
This chicken tzatziki bake is a hit with kids and adults alike. The mild, creamy flavor is approachable even for picky eaters, and it makes a beautiful presentation when topped with crumbled feta and fresh parsley or dill.
Serving a crowd? Simply double the recipe and use a larger pan. It can sit warm in the oven for up to 20 minutes without drying out, making it perfect for dinner parties or potlucks.
You can serve it as a complete meal on its own, or pair it with warm pita bread, a cucumber-tomato salad, or a side of roasted vegetables. It’s one of those versatile dishes that works for both casual dinners and festive occasions.
A Budget-Friendly Recipe That Feels Gourmet
With just a handful of affordable ingredients—chicken, rice, yogurt, and vegetables—you can create a dish that feels restaurant-quality. The bold Mediterranean flavors elevate everyday staples without requiring exotic or expensive ingredients.
Even better, the recipe uses pantry and fridge staples you probably already have on hand. It’s a smart way to turn simple, cost-effective ingredients into something that tastes fresh, exciting, and comforting all at once.
Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This recipe isn’t just delicious the day it’s made—it also tastes amazing as leftovers. The flavors have time to meld even more overnight, making each reheated portion arguably better than the last.
You can divide the casserole into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners. It freezes well too—just let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave and enjoy a homemade, comforting meal in minutes.
A Mediterranean-Inspired Way to Eat Clean
With so many processed and high-sugar options on the market, it’s refreshing to find a meal that’s naturally clean, protein-rich, and full of healthy fats and fiber. This dish embodies the principles of the Mediterranean diet, which is one of the most researched and recommended dietary patterns in the world.
It’s high in unsaturated fats (from olive oil), includes fermented dairy (Greek yogurt), uses lean meats (chicken), and features fresh produce. If you’re trying to eat clean, eat less processed food, or introduce more balanced meals into your life, this casserole is a flavorful step in the right direction.
Conclusion
Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is the kind of recipe that checks every box: it’s easy, healthy, customizable, and deeply satisfying. Rooted in the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, this one-pan wonder brings together creamy tzatziki, tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, and fluffy rice in a dish that tastes far more complex than it is to prepare.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something hearty and wholesome, this recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this dish is more than just dinner—it’s a celebration of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity, all in one bite.