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 dill, basil, parsley, or chives; Fresh lemon wedges

Let me introduce you to a game-changer in easy, flavorful weeknight dinners: the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe. It’s a comforting, all-in-one dish that combines tender, herb-packed chicken with fluffy rice baked to perfection, all topped off with that cool, refreshing tzatziki that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself returning to again and again because it’s just that good — and so effortless!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Stress-free prep: This recipe literally lets you dump all your ingredients into one dish and bake, making cleanup and effort minimal.
Flavor-packed simplicity: The blend of herbs, warm spices, and zesty lemon juice brings fresh Mediterranean vibes without complicated steps.
Perfect weeknight meal: With just about an hour of cooking and marinating time, it’s swift enough for busy days yet still feels special.
One-pan wonder: Chicken, rice, and zucchini cook together absorbing all the delicious juices, giving you a balanced, wholesome dinner with minimal fuss.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered yellow rice and cooked chicken pieces mixed together, with green herbs sprinkled all over. On top, there are four dollops of white creamy sauce, each garnished with small green herbs and thin lemon wedges placed beside or partially under them. A spoon with a dark handle rests inside the dish, lifting some of the rice and chicken. Around the baking dish, on a white marbled surface, are small white plates with lemon slices, a bowl of chopped green onions, a bowl with a creamy sauce, and a plate with pita bread triangles. The scene has a cozy, homemade feel with a cloth napkin in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice, Easy Chicken Dinner, Mediterranean One-Pan Meal, Quick Weeknight Chicken Recipes, Baked Chicken and Rice

Ingredients & Substitutions

What’s amazing about the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe is how the ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays a role — from the tender chicken bathed in herbs to the zucchini adding moisture and color, while the spices bring warmth and depth to the rice.

Flat lay of diced boneless skinless chicken breast, fresh lemon halves and slices, coarsely grated zucchini, uncooked long grain white rice, fresh parsley sprigs, fresh oregano leaves, fresh thyme sprigs, a small pile of smoked paprika powder, and a small bowl of creamy tzatziki sauce, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice, Easy Chicken Dinner, Mediterranean One-Pan Meal, Quick Weeknight Chicken Recipes, Baked Chicken and Rice

Chicken (breasts or thighs): Both work wonderfully; thighs offer extra juiciness if you prefer more moist meat.
Lemon juice and olive oil: These brighten the dish, tenderize the chicken, and provide that irresistible Mediterranean tang.
Herbs (parsley, oregano, thyme): Fresh or dried, they add that signature earthy, aromatic flavor you can’t get enough of.

Spices (smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, cayenne): The smoky, warm spices marry well with the chicken and rice for a subtle yet vibrant kick.
Long grain white rice: Essential for fluffiness and soaking in the savory broth flavors perfectly; avoid instant or risotto rice.
Zucchini: Adds a burst of color, moisture, and gentle sweetness, balancing out the spices and savory notes.

Chicken broth: This is the secret to cooking the rice in flavor-packed liquid that makes the whole dish sing.

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.

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

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Start by dicing your boneless, skinless chicken into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in a mix of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh herbs, and a fantastic blend of spices — including smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne for a subtle heat. Letting the chicken sit in this marinade for about 30 minutes at room temperature allows those flavors to truly seep in, making every bite tender and bursting with savory goodness.

Step 2: Combine Rice, Zucchini, and Broth

Once your chicken is happily marinating, add uncooked long grain white rice, coarsely grated zucchini, and chicken broth right into the same baking dish. Stir everything together gently—this is the magic moment where the ingredients start to mingle before the oven does its work. The zucchini adds moisture and a pop of green, while the broth infuses the rice and chicken with incredible flavor as it bakes.

Step 3: Cover and Bake to Perfection

The key to perfectly cooked rice and juicy chicken is sealing your dish tightly with foil to trap steam inside. Pop the covered baking dish into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for about 45-60 minutes depending on your bakeware type — metal pans cook faster than glass or ceramic. Once the rice is tender and the liquid mostly absorbed, fluff the rice lightly with a fork, adjusting salt and pepper to taste, and your hearty, delicious one-pan meal is ready to enjoy.

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

A white bowl filled with three main layers: at the bottom, there is yellow rice mixed with small pieces of cooked chicken, showing a soft and crumbly texture; on top of the rice is a dollop of thick white sauce with visible green herb bits, scattered across with fresh green chopped herbs; around one side of the bowl, three lemon wedges stand upright, adding a bright yellow color; on the other side, two pieces of soft, lightly browned flatbread rest against the rice; a silver fork is placed partially inside the bowl with a bite of the rice and chicken on it; the bowl sits on a dark wooden table with a white and black checkered cloth to the side, and the background has a soft focus with some green beans and a green container visible; photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice, Easy Chicken Dinner, Mediterranean One-Pan Meal, Quick Weeknight Chicken Recipes, Baked Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

The best part? Serving this dish with a generous dollop of fresh tzatziki sauce instantly elevates it with creamy, cooling richness that contrasts beautifully against the warm spices. Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like dill or parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten every bite with freshness. It’s simple touches like these that make the experience feel homemade and special.

Side Dishes

Keep your sides light and complementary. A crisp Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta, or some roasted Mediterranean vegetables, pairs perfectly without overpowering the main dish. If you’re looking for a carb boost, warm pita bread on the side is ideal for scooping up every last bit of that flavorful rice and sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or just make dinner feel a little more festive? Serve the chicken and rice in individual shallow bowls, topping each with a swirl of tzatziki, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges on the side. Layer the rice base, then add the chicken pieces artfully on top. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a dash of sumac can add that extra flair and texture, turning this simple dish into a celebration of flavors and colors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Since everything’s cooked together, the flavors deepen over time. Just make sure to add fresh tzatziki when serving to maintain that cool contrast.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and rice portion (without the tzatziki) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently to ensure the rice stays fluffy and the chicken moist. Avoid freezing the tzatziki sauce, as it may separate upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave in short bursts or warm in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to fluff the rice without breaking up the chicken. Add fresh tzatziki and herbs after reheating to revive the dish’s fresh, vibrant flavors.

FAQs

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

Brown rice isn’t the best choice here since it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid than white rice. Using it could result in undercooked or unevenly cooked rice. For best results, stick to uncooked long grain white rice as specified.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 30 minutes?

While you can technically bake right away, letting the chicken marinate for 30 minutes helps infuse it with all the wonderful herbs, spices, and lemon juice, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite. It’s worth the brief wait!
Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Absolutely! The cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat, but you can easily omit it for a milder version or add more if you crave extra spice. The recipe is very adaptable to your taste preferences.
Why is it important to cover the baking dish tightly?

Covering the dish tightly traps steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly by absorbing all the flavorful liquid. Without a tight seal, you risk dry rice or unevenly cooked chicken. Foil works best to keep everything moist and tender.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t recommend this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe enough for your weeknight dinner lineup. It’s comforting, full of vibrant classically Mediterranean flavors, and effortlessly fits into busy schedules without skimping on deliciousness. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal that feels homemade yet indulgently flavorful every time.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe