Why Make This Recipe
Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. It combines juicy chicken, refreshing tzatziki, and fluffy rice all in one pan, making it easy to prepare and clean up. With fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers, this meal is not just filling, but also packed with flavors that everyone will love.
How to Make Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked rice, chicken, tzatziki sauce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
This dish can be served right from the baking dish for a casual meal. You can also plate it up with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a touch of color. Serve it with extra tzatziki sauce on the side for those who want a little more flavor.
How to Store Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
To store any leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
- Use leftover cooked rice to save time.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.
- If you like more flavor, marinate the chicken in tzatziki sauce for a few hours before baking.
Variation
You can make this recipe with other proteins like shrimp or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary based on the protein you choose.
FAQs
1. Can I use uncooked chicken for this recipe?
No, it’s best to use cooked chicken, as this will ensure that everything cooks evenly within the baking time.
2. What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or pita bread for a complete meal.
3. Can I freeze Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and consume it within 2-3 months for the best quality.
Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice Use leftover cooked rice to save time.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes You can use cooked chicken or marinate in tzatziki for added flavor.
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce Extra tzatziki can be served on the side.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Fresh tomatoes add flavor.
- 1 cucumber diced Provides a refreshing crunch.
- 1/2 onion chopped Adds depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking and flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust based on preference.
- Fresh parsley for garnish Optional, for presentation.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked rice, chicken, tzatziki sauce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
Cooking
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.