Name: Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced into bite-size pieces; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes); 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon dried oregano); 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s brand); ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon turmeric; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice; 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 1 ½ cups grated); 2 cups chicken broth; Tzatziki sauce; Pita bread; Chopped fresh herbs such as fresh dill, basil, parsley, or chives; Fresh lemon

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 25 reviews

If you’re looking for a meal that combines ease, bold flavors, and comforting textures, you’re going to adore this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe. This one-pan wonder marries tender, herb-infused chicken with fluffy rice and fresh zucchini, all baked together for a hands-off dinner that bursts with Mediterranean flair. Topped with creamy tzatziki and bright herbs, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels special but is incredibly simple to pull together. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a staple in your weeknight rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a mixture showing two main layers: the bottom layer has orange-colored sauce with small pieces of cooked chicken scattered throughout, and the top layer is a generous amount of shredded zucchini spread evenly, light green and white in color, partially submerged in the sauce, all sitting on a wooden surface with a textured cloth nearby photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and color without fuss or complicated prep. From fragrant herbs and spices to fresh zucchini and rice, these essentials come together effortlessly to make a wholesome, satisfying dish.

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Choose whichever you prefer for tender, juicy bites.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds bright acidity that cuts through richness.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and carries the spices.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley: Lends a fresh, grassy note—dried works in a pinch.
1 teaspoon fresh oregano: Brings authentic Mediterranean flavor, dried is fine.
1 teaspoon fresh thyme: Earthy and aromatic, balances the spices nicely.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds smoky warmth with a hint of sweetness.
¾ teaspoon seasoned salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
½ teaspoon cumin: Adds a subtle earthiness and depth.
½ teaspoon onion powder: For gentle, savory undertones.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses that classic garlic punch quickly.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a touch of heat and complexity.
¼ teaspoon turmeric: Gives the rice a beautiful golden hue and gentle flavor.
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just a whisper of spice to keep things interesting.
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: Fluffy rice soaks up all the delicious juices.
1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated: Adds moisture, color, and a subtle sweetness.
2 cups chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the rice and chicken with savory flavor.
Tzatziki sauce (for serving): Creamy, cooling, and tangy, it’s the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

Start by greasing a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Toss the diced chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, and all the herbs and spices. This blend of fresh and dried herbs along with the smoked paprika and cumin creates a vibrant flavor base that infuses every piece of chicken. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 30 minutes so those flavors can really meld and the lemon juice can tenderize the meat a bit.

Step 2: Combine with Rice and Zucchini

Once your chicken is well-marinated, add the uncooked rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth right into the same dish. Gently stir everything to ensure the rice and zucchini are evenly distributed among the chicken pieces. This step is key because as the dish bakes, the rice will absorb the broth, and the zucchini will add moisture and subtle freshness without overpowering the other ingredients.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil, making sure no steam escapes—that’s the secret to perfectly cooked rice. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 45-60 minutes, depending on your cookware. Metal pans tend to cook faster, while glass or ceramic may need the full 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the rice is tender and all the liquid is mostly absorbed. Before serving, fluff the rice with a fork and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.

How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe

A large white rectangular baking dish filled with yellow rice mixed with golden brown pieces of spiced chicken, scattered green herbs, and thin slices of lemon placed on top in groups of two or three. There are five dollops of white creamy sauce spread evenly across the surface, garnished with more chopped green herbs. A black serving spoon with a wooden handle rests inside the dish, slightly scooping some rice. The dish sits on a warm wooden table with a white marbled texture as the background. Around the dish, there are pieces of pita bread on a white plate, a small bowl of green herbs, a small bowl with orange-red and green fresh salad, and a gray kitchen towel with blue stripes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like dill, basil, parsley, or chives add a burst of color and an extra layer of flavor that feels so fresh. A generous dollop of cool tzatziki sauce on top creates a creamy contrast to the warm, spiced chicken and rice. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten every bite—it’s these simple touches that take the dish to the next level.

Side Dishes

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it alongside warm pita bread perfect for scooping up every delicious morsel, transforming this dish into an interactive Mediterranean feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, try serving this bake right from the pan on the table and let everyone help themselves. Or scoop it into individual bowls topped with extra tzatziki and herbs for a colorful, inviting look. You can even stuff the mixture into pita pockets for a handheld twist—great for lunches or casual dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Because everything is baked together, the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more crave-worthy.

Freezing

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. When freezing, it’s best to exclude the tzatziki sauce and fresh garnishes—which you can add after reheating to keep things fresh.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Add a bit of water or chicken broth if the rice seems dry. Top again with fresh tzatziki and herbs after reheating for that fresh flavor punch.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Keep in mind that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. You might want to par-cook the rice beforehand or adjust the baking time and the amount of broth.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and make sure your spices don’t have any additives containing gluten.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can marinate the chicken and assemble the casserole a few hours before baking. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to bake.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?

The recipe has just a gentle hint of heat from cayenne pepper, which you can easily reduce or omit if you prefer a milder flavor.

What’s the best way to make tzatziki at home?

Mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber (squeezed dry), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill or mint. It’s easy to whip up and will complement the dish perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a comforting meal that feels like it took all day but only requires a handful of simple steps. The Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe does just that, delivering vibrant, wholesome flavors with minimal fuss. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to for tasty, no-stress dinners packed with freshness and warmth.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need