Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe

ByLily
Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 42 reviews

If you’re anything like me and love meals that are both fuss-free and packed with flavor, this Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It’s one of those magical dump-and-bake dishes that makes dinner feel special without keeping you stuck in the kitchen all evening. Juicy chicken, fluffy rice soaked in savory broth, and that cool, tangy homemade tzatziki on top—trust me, every bite will have you hooked.

🖤

Why This Recipe Works

  • Simplicity at Its Best: You literally throw everything together in one dish — fewer bowls, less cleaning, and zero stress.
  • Flavor Explosion: The creamy homemade tzatziki brings freshness that complements the chicken and rice perfectly.
  • Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you prefer thighs or breasts, white or brown rice, this recipe adjusts beautifully.
  • Comfort Food with a Twist: It’s cozy and familiar but feels unique with those Mediterranean vibes.
Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake, Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake, Greek-inspired baked chicken and rice, simple healthy dinner ideas, flavorful dump-and-bake recipes - The dish is served in a white rectangular pan filled with a bed of yellow and white rice mixed together, giving a soft but slightly fluffy look. On top of the rice are several pieces of grilled golden-brown chicken chunks, lightly charred on the edges, scattered evenly around. In the center, there is a dollop of white creamy sauce with small green herb bits mixed in, topped with a half-moon slice of lemon. Additional lemon wedges and chopped green herbs are spread across the dish, adding bright colors and fresh contrast. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredient list may look simple, but each component plays a key role in making this Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe sing. I always stress that fresh herbs and quality Greek yogurt make a noticeable difference, so spend a little extra on those when you can.

Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake, Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake, Greek-inspired baked chicken and rice, simple healthy dinner ideas, flavorful dump-and-bake recipes - Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked white rice, two whole raw chicken breasts with smooth pale skin, a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white bowl filled with creamy white Greek yogurt, a freshly grated green cucumber piled neatly, two peeled garlic cloves, a few sprigs of bright green fresh dill, and a small white bowl containing freshly squeezed lemon juice, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic plate and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Rice: This is the base that soaks up all the flavors; I love basmati or jasmine for fluffiness, but brown rice adds a nice chewy texture and fiber.
  • Chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs stay juicier, but breasts are leaner; either works great—just adjust cooking time a bit if chicken pieces are large.
  • Chicken broth: Liquid gold for cooking the rice and infusing it with savory depth.
  • Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang in the tzatziki, plus a boost of protein.
  • Cucumber: Freshly grated to add crunch and cooling contrast.
  • Garlic: For that essential aromatic punch.
  • Fresh dill: The star herb of tzatziki—freshness here is key.
  • Lemon juice: Brightens everything up and balances richness.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge or what flavors I’m craving. Don’t hesitate to experiment with veggies or swap chicken for other proteins—this dish is super forgiving!

  • Variation: I sometimes toss in diced zucchini or bell peppers for added color and nutrition; roasted veggies on top add a nice textural contrast.
  • Dietary modification: Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist—just reduce baking time slightly as cauliflower cooks faster.
  • Make it spicy: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the broth or tzatziki gives it a subtle kick I adore on chilly nights.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Base

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F and grease your casserole dish well so nothing sticks. Spread the uncooked rice evenly on the bottom; this helps it cook uniformly. Then, nestle your seasoned chicken pieces right on top. I like to sprinkle salt and pepper liberally here to build flavor early. Trust me, this simple step makes a difference.

Step 2: Whip Up That Luscious Tzatziki

In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, freshly grated cucumber (don’t forget to squeeze out excess water for a thicker sauce), minced garlic, chopped dill, and a splash of lemon juice. Mix until everything is perfectly mingled—this tzatziki is your flavor bomb, so taste and adjust as you go. If you want it creamier or tangier, add a touch more yogurt or lemon.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Now, generously spoon the tzatziki over the chicken, making sure each piece gets some love. Pour your chicken broth evenly over the whole casserole—it’ll hydrate the rice and keep the chicken juicy as it bakes. Cover tightly with foil to trap the steam, then slide it into the oven for about 45–50 minutes. The rice will be perfectly fluffy, and the chicken cooked through—but keep an eye on it since ovens vary.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once it’s done, let the dish rest for a few minutes, then dig in! You’ll notice the tzatziki has gently melded into the meat and rice, creating a delicious creamy texture that’s irresistible.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Skip Draining the Cucumber: I learned the hard way that watery tzatziki dilutes the flavor and changes the bake’s texture—squeeze or pat it dry before mixing.
  • Use a Timer: Since ovens differ, set a timer and start checking chicken’s internal temp at 40 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  • Room Temperature Chicken: Let the chicken rest out of the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
  • Cover Tight With Foil: I always tightly seal the casserole to trap the steam—this helps the rice cook fully and keeps chicken tender.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe

Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake, Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake, Greek-inspired baked chicken and rice, simple healthy dinner ideas, flavorful dump-and-bake recipes - A black round bowl filled with a layered dish: at the bottom, a mix of white and yellow rice spread evenly, on top scattered pieces of grilled chicken with a light brown char and chunks of yellow bell pepper. Near the center is a dollop of white creamy sauce with chopped green herbs. Two folded pieces of flatbread with dark brown char marks rest on one side of the bowl. A lemon wedge sits on the left edge inside the bowl. A vintage fork with a dark handle is stuck into the rice near the lemon wedge. The bowl is placed on a grey cloth on a wooden surface, and the background shows some parsley, cut lemons, and a white bowl with green herb mix. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill and a drizzle of olive oil—just a little something to brighten the dish visually and aromatically. Sometimes, a few thin lemon wedges on the side give the plate a fresh zing that makes each bite pop. If you want an extra crunch, a handful of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds works beautifully.

Side Dishes

Since this bake is a meal on its own, I usually serve it with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted Mediterranean veggies. A warm pita or crusty bread soaks up any extra tzatziki, and you’ve got an effortlessly balanced and filling dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this bake in individual ramekins—each person gets their own gorgeous personal portion topped with a dollop of tzatziki and sprinkled with fresh herbs. It makes the meal feel extra thoughtful and festive with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. This bake holds up well for 3-4 days, and the flavors even deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day lunch.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen the entire bake often, I’ve frozen the tzatziki separately (without cucumber) with success. If you want to freeze the whole dish, I recommend undercooking the rice slightly before freezing to avoid mushiness on reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a covered dish at 350°F, checking midway so the chicken stays moist and the rice doesn’t dry out. Adding a splash of broth before reheating helps maintain that fresh texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

    Absolutely! Brown rice adds more fiber and a nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind it takes longer to cook, so you might want to increase the baking time by about 15 minutes and ensure there’s enough liquid for it to cook through.

  2. What if I don’t have fresh dill? Can I use dried?

    While fresh dill provides the best bright herbal note in tzatziki, dried dill can be used in a pinch. Use about a third of the amount and add it to the yogurt mixture early so it can rehydrate and meld with other flavors.

  3. Can this recipe be made with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

    Yes! Chicken thighs stay juicier and offer more forgiving cooking times. Just make sure your pieces are roughly uniform size for even cooking, and adjust baking time if needed.

  4. Is it okay to add extra vegetables to the bake?

    Definitely. I often add diced zucchini or bell peppers. Just keep veggies chopped into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the rice and chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe holds a special spot in my recipe box because it’s dependable, quick, and always delicious—kind of like a warm hug on a plate. It’s one of those dishes that makes weeknight dinners feel elevated without the fuss. I’m confident you’re going to enjoy whipping it up as much as I do sharing it with you. So grab your casserole dish, and let’s get baking!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 42 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Low Lactose
Print Recipe

Description

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a simple and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs baked with rice and topped with fresh, creamy tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon juice. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner that requires minimal prep and cleanup.

Ingredients

Chicken and Rice

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup rice (uncooked)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven and Casserole Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Assemble Rice and Chicken: Spread the uncooked rice evenly at the bottom of the casserole dish, then place the chicken breasts or thighs on top. Season the chicken generously with salt and black pepper.
  3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and lemon juice. Stir until well mixed.
  4. Layer and Add Broth: Spoon the prepared tzatziki sauce evenly over the chicken pieces. Pour the chicken broth over the entire dish, making sure the rice is submerged. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil.
  5. Bake the Dish: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender and fluffy.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and simple chicken tzatziki rice!

Notes

  • Use brown rice instead of white rice for a higher fiber version; increase bake time by 10-15 minutes and add extra broth if needed.
  • Add diced zucchini or other vegetables to the rice layer for more nutrients and variety.
  • To reduce cooking time, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
  • Make sure to grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid watery tzatziki sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star