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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you need a healthier option or another flavor, you can use chicken thighs; they stay juicier during cooking.

Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and color. If you can’t find them, grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes work well too.

Greek Yogurt: This gives the tzatziki its creaminess. You can swap it with sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt if you’re looking for lighter options or have dietary restrictions.

Cucumber: Fresh cucumber offers crunch. If you want a substitute, zucchini can also work well, just make sure to finely dice it.

Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill is lovely, but if you don’t have it, fresh mint or parsley could be used instead. Dried herbs can also be used, just reduce the quantity to about one-third.

How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?

Cooking chicken just right can be tricky, but following a few steps will help! Here’s what you need to do:

• Prep chicken by patting it dry to help the seasonings stick.
• When baking, use a meat thermometer to check the inside is 165°F (75°C).
• Let the chicken sit for a few minutes after baking to keep it juicy.

Keeping an eye on cook time and temperature will help you get tender chicken every time! Enjoy cooking! 😊

Easy Dump And Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, finely diced
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• 1 clove garlic, grated or finely minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to cook. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 45 minutes! Perfect for busy days when you still want to enjoy something homemade and tasty.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepping the Oven and Ingredients:

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when we’re ready to bake the chicken! While that’s heating up, gather and prepare all the ingredients for the chicken.

2. Arranging the Chicken and Vegetables:

In a large baking dish, place the chicken breasts. Surround the chicken with the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, minced garlic, and the thin lemon slices. This adds lots of flavors!

3. Seasoning:

Drizzle the olive oil over everything, then sprinkle the oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper across the chicken and veggies. Give the vegetables a gentle toss to make sure they’re well coated in the oil and seasonings.

4. Baking:

Now, pop the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 25–30 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.

5. Cooking the Rice:

While the chicken is baking, let’s get the rice ready! Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and the water (or broth) and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

6. Making the Tzatziki Mix:

While the rice is cooking, mix the Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, dill, grated garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir this tzatziki sauce until well combined. Yum!

7. Finishing Up:

Once the rice is done cooking, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. After that, fluff the rice with a fork, and gently fold in the tzatziki mixture until everything is evenly distributed.

8. Serving:

Now it’s time to serve! Place the baked chicken on plates with a generous scoop of tzatziki rice alongside. Spoon some of those roasted tomatoes and lemon over the chicken for extra flavor. If you like, you can garnish with more fresh dill or lemon wedges for a pretty finish!

9. Enjoy!

Dig in and enjoy your simple, delicious meal! This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

FAQ for Easy Dump And Bake Chicken with Tzatziki Rice

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time. Typically, brown rice needs about 40-45 minutes of cooking, so adjust the simmering time accordingly.

What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can use sour cream, or any plain yogurt. For a dairy-free option, look for a coconut or almond-based yogurt alternative that is plain and unsweetened.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the chicken and tzatziki rice in the microwave or in a pan on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to retain moisture.

Can I Add More Vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the baking dish. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.