Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice recipe combines the convenience of a one-pan meal with the delightful flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. It is a perfect option for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something flavorful but easy to prepare. With juicy chicken thighs, fragrant basmati rice, and aromatic seasonings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. The simplicity of tossing all the ingredients into a single pot makes the cleanup just as easy as the cooking process. And the best part? It requires minimal prep work, yet delivers a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal that everyone will love.

The addition of smoked paprika, mixed herbs, and a touch of garlic and onion powder infuses the rice with rich, savory flavor, while the chicken thighs cook to perfection on top. For a finishing touch, a sprinkle of green onions adds freshness and color to the dish. Whether you’re cooking for a small family or preparing a larger batch, this recipe can easily be doubled or adapted to suit your needs. No need for complicated steps or extra pots—just one pan, one delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor
   With simple ingredients and just one pot, you can create a flavorful, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
2. Healthy and Wholesome
   The combination of chicken, basmati rice, and aromatic herbs ensures a balanced meal that’s both filling and nutritious.
3. Easy to Customize
   You can adjust the seasoning or swap out the rice for a different variety to suit your personal preferences.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep
   This recipe is ideal for busy schedules, allowing you to prepare a meal in advance and store leftovers for later.
5. Kid-Friendly
   The mild yet savory flavors make this dish a hit with even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice
• Chicken thighs
• Mixed herbs
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil
• Chopped onion
• Butter
• Low-sodium chicken stock
• Salt and pepper
• Green onions for garnish (or chives, parsley, or coriander)

Variations

• Rice Variations: You can swap basmati rice with jasmine rice or even brown rice. Keep in mind that different types of rice may require adjustments to the liquid ratio and cooking time.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
• Spice it Up: Add some red pepper flakes or chili powder if you prefer a spicier kick.
• Herb Alternatives: If you don’t have mixed herbs, you can use Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence for a similar flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Prepare the Seasonings: In a small mixing bowl, combine smoked paprika, mixed herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Season the Chicken: Rinse the rice until the water runs clear and set aside. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and coat with the seasoning mixture, saving about a teaspoon of seasoning for later.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Sauté the Onions: In the same pan, sauté the chopped onions until soft and translucent. Add butter and stir until melted.
5. Toast the Rice: Stir in the rinsed rice and toast for 1–2 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the pan.
6. Cook the Rice: Pour chicken stock over the rice, add the reserved seasoning, and stir to combine. Deglaze the bottom of the pan by scraping up any stuck bits. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Add the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs over the rice. Cover the pot with a lid and cook on low-medium heat for 15–20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
8. Finish and Serve: Garnish the rice with chopped green onions and let it sit for 3 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the chicken, and serve.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Rice Type: Different types of rice require varying amounts of liquid and cooking time. If you use a different rice variety, adjust accordingly.
• Chicken Skin: If using skinless chicken thighs, sear them skin-side down until crispy for added texture. If you’re using bone-in chicken, you may need to adjust cooking times.
• Seasoning Adjustment: Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning before cooking the chicken. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra salt or spice if you prefer bold flavors.
• Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken thighs are placed evenly on top of the rice to ensure even cooking.

How to Serve

• Garnish: Top with fresh green onions, chives, parsley, or coriander for added flavor and color.
• Sides: Serve with a side of crispy pita bread, roasted vegetables, or a light salad to complement the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture.

Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight freezer-safe container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of extra chicken stock to help restore the moisture.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. What if I don’t have basmati rice? You can use jasmine rice or long-grain rice as a substitute. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio based on the rice you’re using.
3. Can I make this recipe in the oven? Yes, sear the chicken and sauté the onions, then transfer everything to a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 20–25 minutes until the rice is tender.
4. Can I add vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers would be a great way to incorporate more nutrients into the dish.
5. Is this recipe spicy? This recipe is not very spicy, but you can easily add chili flakes or hot sauce to give it some heat.
6. Can I use low-sodium vegetable stock? Yes, vegetable stock is a great alternative to chicken stock, especially for a vegetarian version.
7. Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe can be doubled or halved depending on the number of servings you need. Just ensure you have a large enough pot or pan.
8. Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, but reduce the cooking time to prevent overcooking the meat.
9. How do I make the rice more flavorful? You can cook the rice in a mixture of chicken broth and coconut milk for added richness and flavor.
10. Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Follow the same seasoning and preparation steps but cook everything in the slow cooker for 3–4 hours on low.

Conclusion

The Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a perfect one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and ideal for busy nights when you want something delicious without the hassle. With its savory chicken, fluffy rice, and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver a satisfying and mouthwatering meal!

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