Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe

ByLucy
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 14 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s as simple as it is delicious, I have just the thing for you. This Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe is exactly what I reach for when I want dinner on the table without fussing over complicated steps or tons of pots and pans. Imagine tender chicken nestled atop fluffy rice, all bathed in a refreshing, homemade tzatziki sauce that brings Greek-inspired flavors straight to your kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, it could become your new weeknight go-to!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • One-Dish Wonder: You only need a casserole dish and a mixing bowl, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Balanced Flavors: Creamy tzatziki brightens the savory chicken and rice with fresh dill and lemon.
  • Hands-Off Cooking: Once it’s in the oven, you can relax or prep your side dishes without hovering.
  • Family Friendly: Mild enough for kids, but sophisticated enough to impress guests.
Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake, Greek-inspired chicken casserole, quick chicken rice bake, flavorful chicken casserole, simple dinner ideas - The dish is served in a white rectangular pan filled with a bed of yellow and white rice mixed together, giving a soft but slightly fluffy look. On top of the rice are several pieces of grilled golden-brown chicken chunks, lightly charred on the edges, scattered evenly around. In the center, there is a dollop of white creamy sauce with small green herb bits mixed in, topped with a half-moon slice of lemon. Additional lemon wedges and chopped green herbs are spread across the dish, adding bright colors and fresh contrast. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe brings together simple ingredients that pack a punch when combined. The rice soaks up the rich chicken broth, while the tzatziki sauce keeps everything juicy and fresh. When shopping, grabbing good-quality Greek yogurt and fresh herbs really pays off for that authentic flavor.

Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake, Greek-inspired chicken casserole, quick chicken rice bake, flavorful chicken casserole, simple dinner ideas - Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked white rice, two whole raw chicken breasts with smooth pale skin, a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white bowl filled with creamy white Greek yogurt, a freshly grated green cucumber piled neatly, two peeled garlic cloves, a few sprigs of bright green fresh dill, and a small white bowl containing freshly squeezed lemon juice, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic plate and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Chicken breasts or thighs: I love thighs for juiciness, but breasts work great too—just watch the cooking time to avoid drying out.
  • Rice: Long-grain white rice cooks perfectly in this bake; brown rice adds fiber but takes longer and needs more broth.
  • Chicken broth: Use low sodium if possible so you can control the saltiness.
  • Greek yogurt: This is the base of your tzatziki sauce—thick and creamy, it balances the garlic and lemon.
  • Cucumber: Fresh grated cucumber adds crunch and coolness, key for authentic tzatziki flavor.
  • Garlic: Minced cloves bring that punchy depth; adjust to your garlic love level.
  • Fresh dill: Pick vibrant green stems to give your dish that unmistakable herbaceous kick.
  • Lemon juice: Adds a bright zing that cuts through the richness beautifully.
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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.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe is how flexible it is. You can personalize it without losing that magic combo of creamy, herby, and comforting flavors. I’ve tried adding veggies or swapping proteins depending on what I have on hand—feel free to get creative!

  • Variation: I sometimes swap chicken thighs for turkey breast for a leaner option, and it comes out just as tasty.
  • Vegetable add-ins: Throw in some diced zucchini or chopped spinach before baking for an easy veggie boost.
  • Rice choice: Using brown rice is a healthier twist but remember it needs extra cooking time and liquid.
  • Spice it up: If you like a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the tzatziki is delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep your ingredients and oven

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F and greasing my casserole dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray. Everything cooks in this one dish, so giving it a good coating helps prevent sticking and makes cleaning super easy. While the oven warms, I prepare the chicken by seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper—simple but effective!

Step 2: Assemble the rice and chicken

Spread the rice evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish, then gently nestle the chicken breasts or thighs on top. This lets the rice absorb the chicken juices as it bakes. Don’t forget to season with a bit of salt and pepper here as well; it makes everything taste brighter.

Step 3: Mix your tzatziki sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, and lemon juice. This fresh tzatziki sauce is the star of the dish—it adds creaminess and that signature Greek flair. Stir it all together until well blended, tasting as you go for seasoning—you might like a little extra lemon or dill.

Step 4: Assemble and bake

Spoon the tzatziki sauce evenly over the chicken pieces, making sure to cover them nicely. Next, pour the chicken broth slowly around the edges of the dish—this liquid helps the rice cook through perfectly. Cover tightly with foil to trap the steam, then bake for about 45–50 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and juicy, and the rice tender and fluffy.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Watch the Liquid: Measure your broth carefully—too much and the rice gets mushy, too little and it won’t cook through.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let the bake sit for about 5-10 minutes after baking; it helps the flavors settle and rice absorb any last bit of moisture.
  • Choose Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: They stay tender longer compared to breasts, which can dry out if overcooked.
  • Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering with foil traps steam to perfectly cook the rice and keep chicken moist.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe

Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake, Greek-inspired chicken casserole, quick chicken rice bake, flavorful chicken casserole, simple dinner ideas - A black round bowl filled with a layered dish: at the bottom, a mix of white and yellow rice spread evenly, on top scattered pieces of grilled chicken with a light brown char and chunks of yellow bell pepper. Near the center is a dollop of white creamy sauce with chopped green herbs. Two folded pieces of flatbread with dark brown char marks rest on one side of the bowl. A lemon wedge sits on the left edge inside the bowl. A vintage fork with a dark handle is stuck into the rice near the lemon wedge. The bowl is placed on a grey cloth on a wooden surface, and the background shows some parsley, cut lemons, and a white bowl with green herb mix. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this bake with a little extra fresh dill and a few lemon wedges on the side. Sometimes, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens it up too. If you want a little extra creaminess, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt makes a wonderful finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This recipe is pretty much a complete meal, but if you want to round it out, I’d suggest a simple Greek salad with tomatoes, olives, and feta, or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers. A crusty bread is also lovely for soaking up the juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist when hosting, I sometimes bake this recipe in individual ramekins for personal servings. It feels special, and everyone can add their own extra toppings. Another idea is to sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top before serving for a nutty crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors even meld a bit more overnight, making it just as tasty the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, portion them into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw completely in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep the chicken juicy and the rice fluffy.

Reheating

When reheating, I like to cover the dish with a bit of foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes or so, just until heated through. This method preserves the moisture better than the microwave and helps the rice regain its fluffiness.

FAQs

  1. Can I use brown rice in this Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe?

    Absolutely! Brown rice adds great texture and more fiber, but keep in mind it needs a longer cooking time and about ½ cup more broth. You might want to pre-soak it for 20 minutes or par-cook it slightly before baking to ensure it becomes tender.

  2. What’s the best type of chicken to use for this bake?

    Chicken thighs are my favorite because they stay juicy and flavorful during baking, but chicken breasts work fine too—just be careful not to overcook them. Thighs are a bit more forgiving.

  3. Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

    Yes, the tzatziki sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen after sitting a bit! Just make sure to drain any excess liquid from the grated cucumber to keep it from becoming watery.

  4. Is this recipe spicy?

    The basic recipe isn’t spicy, but it’s easy to add some heat by mixing in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper into the tzatziki sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate—not too fussy but packed with fresh, vibrant flavors that keep me coming back. I love how effortlessly it comes together and how well it keeps for lunches the next day. If you want a recipe that’s both comforting and a little different, give this one a try. I promise once you make it, it’ll find a happy spot on your regular dinner rotation just like it did in mine!

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Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 14 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Low Fat
Print Recipe

Description

A simple and delicious one-dish meal featuring tender baked chicken breasts or thighs atop fluffy rice, topped with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, fresh cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon juice. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken and Rice

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup rice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Layer Rice and Chicken. Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish. Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper to taste.
  3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and lemon juice. Stir until well blended to create the tzatziki sauce.
  4. Assemble and Pour Broth. Spoon the prepared tzatziki sauce evenly over the chicken pieces. Pour the chicken broth over everything in the casserole dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam during baking.
  5. Bake the Dish. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake covered for 45 to 50 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the rice tender and fluffy.
  6. Serve and Enjoy. Remove from oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve warm with extra fresh dill or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

  • For more fiber and a nuttier flavor, substitute brown rice for white rice.
  • Add chopped zucchini or other vegetables on top of the rice before baking to increase vegetable content.
  • Ensure chicken is properly cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Use low-fat Greek yogurt to reduce total fat content if desired.
  • Fresh dill can be substituted with dried dill if fresh is unavailable, using half the amount.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

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