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 wedges

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 8 reviews

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly effortless, this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe is going to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender chunks of juicy chicken bathed in a vibrant blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices, baked together with fluffy, perfectly cooked rice and fresh zucchini, all topped with cooling, creamy tzatziki. It’s fresh, wholesome, and a delight to the senses—all prepared in one dish with minimal hands-on time. Trust me, this recipe is as satisfying as it is simple, making dinner a breeze without sacrificing any of that big, bold flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with small, raw light pink chicken pieces evenly coated in green herbs and spices, sitting on a white marbled surface. The chicken chunks look moist with seasoning spread all over. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch in every bite. Each component plays a vital role: herbs lift the flavor, spices add depth and warmth, while the fresh zucchini contributes a lovely texture and color contrast.

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: bite-size pieces ensure fast cooking and perfect every time.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: adds brightness and tenderizes the chicken naturally.
2 tablespoons olive oil: delivers richness and helps the spices cling to the chicken.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: for a fresh, herbaceous touch.
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano: classic Mediterranean flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken.
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme: aromatic depth and earthiness.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: introduces a subtle smoky warmth that transforms the dish.
¾ teaspoon seasoned salt: a balanced seasoning mix to enhance all other flavors.
½ teaspoon cumin: adds a warm, nutty undertone.
½ teaspoon onion powder: deepens savory notes without overwhelming.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: classic garlic flavor for richness.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: mild heat and complexity.
¼ teaspoon turmeric: offers a beautiful golden hue and subtle earthiness.
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper: optional kick for those who love a bit of heat.
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: absorbs all those amazing flavors while staying fluffy.
1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated: adds freshness and moisture to the rice.
2 cups chicken broth: the flavorful cooking liquid that brings the whole dish together.
For serving: tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, plus fresh herbs like dill, basil, parsley, or chives, and lemon wedges for an extra zing.

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

Step 1: Marinate the chicken

Start by greasing or spraying a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Toss your diced chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, and all the herbs and spices in the baking dish itself—parsley, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne. This marinade is where the magic happens: the lemon juice’s acidity tenderizes the chicken while the spices infuse it with incredibly vibrant flavors. Let this mixture sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so the chicken soaks up every bit of that goodness.

Step 2: Add rice, zucchini, and broth

Once your chicken has had time to marinate, add the uncooked long grain white rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth right into the same baking dish. Gently stir everything to combine, making sure the rice is evenly distributed. The grated zucchini keeps the dish moist and adds a subtle sweetness and texture without overpowering the other flavors.

Step 3: Cover and bake

Cover your baking dish tightly with foil to trap the steam. This step is crucial because the rice needs all the moisture it can get to cook perfectly and absorb the incredible flavors. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes if you’re using a metal pan, or 50-60 minutes if you have a glass or ceramic dish. The exact timing can vary a bit depending on your oven and bakeware, so tasting the rice for tenderness toward the end is your best guide.

Step 4: Fluff and season

After baking, remove the foil and use a fork to fluff the rice gently—avoid stirring too vigorously to keep the texture light and fluffy. Taste it and add extra salt or pepper as needed. This simple step really lets you customize the flavors to your liking.

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

A rectangular white baking dish filled with a yellow rice dish mixed with browned pieces of cooked chicken, garnished with chopped green herbs and thin lemon wedges arranged on top and throughout. Dollops of white sauce are placed in several spots on the rice. A silver serving spoon with a dark brown handle is scooping from the middle of the dish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a gray and blue striped cloth partially visible behind it. Around the main dish are small white bowls with sauces, herbs, lemon wedges, and a white plate with pita bread pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The dish truly shines when topped off with a generous spoonful of creamy tzatziki sauce, which cools and balances the spices beautifully. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs such as dill, basil, parsley, or chives on top for an aromatic, fresh burst. A squeeze of bright lemon juice just before serving adds that final spark of flavor that ties everything together.

Side Dishes

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe pairs amazingly well with warm pita bread, which is perfect for scooping up the saucy chicken and rice. For a veggie side, a crisp Greek salad or lightly sautéed greens with garlic complements the dish’s vibrant Mediterranean notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this meal in individual ramekins for a charming presentation or layering it with a dollop of tzatziki and a small wedge of lemon on the side for a restaurant-quality experience at home. You could also pile the chicken and rice into pita pockets with extra tzatziki for a fun twist and easy handheld meal option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice may soak up a bit more moisture, so be sure not to overcook the original dish if you plan to save some for later.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if stored properly. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the rice if it seems dry. Fresh tzatziki is best served cold, so add it fresh after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice has a longer cooking time and different liquid absorption, so it’s not ideal for this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe. Stick to long grain white rice for the best texture and timing.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Can I use dried?

Absolutely! Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs since they’re more concentrated. The recipe notes give you substitution tips—dried parsley, oregano, and thyme work well here.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Definitely! Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili flakes to kick up the heat. The beauty of this dish is how flexible the spice level can be to your taste.

Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great choice and will add a bit more richness and moistness to the dish without changing the cooking process.

What if I don’t have chicken broth on hand?

You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water in a pinch, but chicken broth adds extra depth and savoriness that really enhances the overall flavor.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice Recipe for an effortless yet extraordinary meal. It’s the kind of dinner that satisfies your craving for fresh, Mediterranean flavors while keeping things simple and stress-free in the kitchen. Once you make it, I have a feeling it will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.