Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice: Easy 6-Step Win

Name: Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped or ½ teaspoon dried; 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped or ½ teaspoon dried; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped or ¼ teaspoon dried; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon turmeric; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice; 1 medium zucchini, grated; 2 cups chicken broth; Tzatziki sauce, for serving; Fresh herbs and lemon wedges, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If your evenings feel like a blur of homework, emails, and “What’s for dinner?” panic, Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is about to become your new best friend. This is one of those magical meals where everything goes into one dish, the oven does the heavy lifting, and you get all the credit. No babysitting. No fancy techniques. Just cozy, Mediterranean-inspired comfort that tastes like you tried way harder than you actually did.

I’m Mounia, and recipes like this are exactly why I fell in love with dump-and-bake dinners. Life gets busy. Some days, even chopping feels like too much. On nights like that, I need a meal that meets me where I am—tired, hungry, and craving something warm and flavorful without the mess.

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice checks every box. It’s hearty, bright with lemon and herbs, and finished with a cool, creamy tzatziki topping that feels a little fancy (without being fancy). It’s the kind of dinner that makes everyone quiet at the table—in the best way.

Why You’ll Love This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

Let’s be honest: weeknight cooking needs to earn its keep. This recipe does exactly that.

One pan, zero stress – Everything bakes together, so cleanup is minimal.
Set-it-and-forget-it vibes – The oven handles dinner while you handle life.
Family-friendly flavors – Warm spices, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and that cool tzatziki finish.
Budget-conscious – Simple ingredients you can grab at any grocery store.
Leftovers that actually excite you – Hello, easy lunches tomorrow.

This is one of those meals that feels comforting and fresh at the same time. Your kitchen will smell like lemony herbs and cozy spices, and honestly? That alone is worth making it.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Nothing Fancy, Promise)

Here’s what goes into this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice—all pantry-friendly and approachable:

Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-size pieces
Lemon juice – Brightens everything up
Olive oil – Helps the spices cling and keeps the chicken juicy
Fresh herbs – Parsley, oregano, and thyme (or dried, if that’s what you’ve got)
Smoked paprika – Adds warmth and a subtle smoky note
Seasoned salt – Lawry’s-style works beautifully
Cumin – Earthy and cozy
Onion powder & garlic powder – Quiet flavor heroes
Black pepper, turmeric, cayenne – Gentle heat and color
Long-grain white rice – The base that absorbs all that flavor
Zucchini – Grated, so it melts right into the dish
Chicken broth – For tender, flavorful rice
Tzatziki (for serving) – Store-bought or homemade
Fresh herbs & lemon wedges – Optional, but lovely

Nothing complicated. Nothing intimidating. Just solid ingredients doing their thing.

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

This is a true dump-and-bake situation, and I mean that in the most loving way.

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it well with nonstick spray. This saves you from scrubbing later—future you will be grateful.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Add the diced chicken directly to the dish. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, then sprinkle in all the herbs and spices: parsley, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne.

Toss everything right in the pan until the chicken is coated. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats to 375°F. This little rest lets the flavors sink in without adding extra work.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Veggies

Pour the uncooked rice into the dish, then add the grated zucchini and chicken broth. Stir gently so everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Cover Tightly

Cover the dish very tightly with foil. This step matters. The rice needs all that steam to cook properly, so don’t let any escape.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for:

45–50 minutes if using a metal pan
50–60 minutes if using glass or ceramic

Cooking times can vary, so don’t panic if it needs a few extra minutes. The rice should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

Remove the foil, fluff the rice with a fork, and taste. Add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm, topped generously with tzatziki, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon.

Dinner = done.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice served in a bowl with golden rice, seasoned chicken, creamy tzatziki, fresh herbs, and lemon — A hearty bowl of Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice topped with creamy tzatziki, fresh herbs, and a bright squeeze of lemon.

My Favorite Tips for Success

A few small tricks make this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice foolproof:

Grate the zucchini finely so it melts into the rice instead of standing out.
Use thighs if you want extra juiciness—they’re forgiving and flavorful.
Don’t peek while baking—lifting the foil lets steam escape and can slow the rice.
If your rice looks slightly wet, let it rest uncovered for 5 minutes. It’ll tighten up perfectly.
Extra tzatziki is never a bad idea. Trust me.

And if your dish smells so good you check the oven five times? Totally normal.

A Little Real-Life Moment

I first made this recipe during one of those weeks where every day felt like a race against the clock. After-school activities, work deadlines, laundry piles that refused to shrink—you know the kind.

I needed something that didn’t ask much of me. I dumped everything into the pan, slid it into the oven, and sat down for five quiet minutes. When dinner came out, my family assumed I’d spent hours cooking. I didn’t correct them.

That’s the magic of dump-and-bake meals. They make busy days feel just a little softer.

FAQs About Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Brown rice needs more liquid and a longer cooking time, so it’s not a direct swap here. For best results, stick with long-grain white rice.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can season the chicken up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, add the rice, zucchini, and broth.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep the rice fluffy.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, though rice can soften slightly when frozen. Freeze in individual portions for easy lunches.

What if I don’t like zucchini?

You’ll barely notice it, but you can swap in grated carrot or leave it out altogether.

Serving Ideas to Make It Feel Special

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a full meal on its own, but if you want to round things out:

Add a simple cucumber and tomato salad
Warm some pita bread on the side
Sprinkle with feta cheese for extra richness

It’s weeknight-friendly, but it also works beautifully for casual entertaining.

One Last Cozy Thought

There’s something deeply comforting about a meal that doesn’t demand perfection. Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is forgiving, flexible, and full of flavor—exactly what busy home cooks need most.

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just trying to make it through a long day, this dish shows up for you. Slide it into the oven, take a breath, and let dinner handle itself for once.

More Cozy Dinners You Might Love

If this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice hit the spot, here are a few other comforting, low-effort meals that readers often enjoy next. They keep the same cozy, dinner-made-easy spirit and fit beautifully into busy weeknights:

If you’re craving more Mediterranean flavor, the Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma Recipe is packed with warm spices and slow-cooked goodness that pairs perfectly with rice, pita, or salads.
For another hands-off chicken-and-rice favorite, the Crock Pot No-Peek Chicken with Rice is a true comfort classic that practically cooks itself.
If Greek-inspired meals are your thing, the juicy and herb-filled Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is a wonderful option for easy dinners or simple meal prep.
And if you loved the flavors here but want to explore a slightly different take, you can also try this creamy, oven-friendly Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole, which delivers the same comforting Mediterranean-inspired flavors in a simple casserole-style dish.

These recipes are perfect for keeping dinner stress low while still bringing big, comforting flavors to the table.