Name: Easy Baked Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts or thighs; 3 cups Chicken broth; 1 cup Rice (not specified but typically long-grain white rice); 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1 Cucumber, grated; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 2 tbsp Fresh dill; 2 tbsp Lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 31 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, no-fuss dinner that feels like a warm hug, then you’re going to love my Easy Baked Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe. It’s like throwing together the best flavors of Greece in one simple casserole — tender baked chicken, creamy homemade tzatziki, and fluffy rice all baked together with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to weeknight meals that’s as tasty as it is easy.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity Meets Flavor: You throw everything in one dish, which means easy prep but maximum taste.
Moist Baked Chicken: Cooking chicken right on the rice allows it to absorb all the juicy flavors and stay tender.
Fresh, Creamy Tzatziki: The homemade cucumber yogurt topping adds a bright, refreshing contrast that elevates the whole meal.
Comfort Food with a Twist: It’s familiar enough to love but unique enough to keep dinner exciting.

Easy Baked Chicken Tzatziki Rice, Greek baked chicken and rice casserole, creamy tzatziki chicken bake, simple Mediterranean chicken dinner, flavorful baked chicken and rice - 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

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Easy Baked Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Each one plays a role in bringing balance—from the tender chicken and hearty rice to the tangy, cooling tzatziki. Here’s what you need and why:

Chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs are juicier and more forgiving if you worry about dryness, but breasts work great too.
Rice: White rice cooks evenly and absorbs broth beautifully; swap for brown rice for nuttier flavor and extra fiber.
Chicken broth: Using broth instead of water infuses the rice and chicken with deeper savory taste.
Greek yogurt: Thick and creamy, it forms the base of the tzatziki to keep everything luscious and cooling.
Cucumber: Grated fresh cucumber adds crunch and bright moisture to the tzatziki, making it refreshing.
Garlic: Just a couple cloves go a long way for aromatic depth.
Fresh dill: Adds that unmistakable herbal note that ties the tzatziki and chicken together.
Lemon juice: A dash of acidity cuts through the richness and livens up the whole dish.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the coolest things about this Easy Baked Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want more veggies, less lemon, or even a bit more spice, this recipe flexes to fit your vibe.

Veggie boost: I love tossing in some diced zucchini or bell peppers right on top of the rice before baking for a fresh veggie hit without extra work.
Spicy kick: Sometimes I stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the chicken for a subtle spicy warmth.
Herb swap: If you don’t have dill, fresh parsley or mint work beautifully in the tzatziki.
Greek-style grain mix: Feel free to replace half the rice with quinoa or bulgur for some texture and a nutritional boost.

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

Step 1: Prep your dish and ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing your casserole dish generously—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. While that’s heating, rinse your rice if you want less starchiness, then spread it in an even layer in the dish. Lay your chicken pieces on top of the rice and season everything with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Simple but key to building that base flavor.

Step 2: Make the tzatziki mixture

Next up, grab a mixing bowl and combine your Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out any excess water), minced garlic, freshly chopped dill, and a good squeeze of lemon juice. Stir it all together until it’s creamy and well mixed. This tzatziki will go right over the chicken to bake into a flavorful, tangy topping that keeps the meat juicy.

Step 3: Assemble and bake

Spoon your tzatziki sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, then pour the chicken broth over everything. This broth is what steams the rice and chicken while baking, so don’t skip it! Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through (juices run clear when poked) and the rice is tender and fluffy. Taking off the foil for a last 5 minutes can help the top develop a little golden color, if you’re into that.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe

Drain Cucumber Well: Removing excess water from the grated cucumber prevents your tzatziki from becoming watery, keeping it thick and creamy.
Use Thick Yogurt: Opt for full-fat Greek yogurt for the richest flavor and the best texture in the tzatziki.
Don’t Skip the Broth: Pouring broth into the rice layer ensures everything cooks perfectly, making the rice tender and infused with flavor.
Check Doneness Early: Oven temps can vary, so start checking chicken around 40 minutes to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve Easy Baked Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I usually scatter some extra fresh dill and a little lemon zest right before serving to brighten things up and add a fresh punch. Sometimes, a sprinkle of crumbled feta or a few kalamata olives makes this dish feel extra special and authentic. Trust me, that tangy, salty feta on top really hits the spot!

Side Dishes

This baked tzatziki chicken rice combo is pretty much a meal on its own, but if you want to add sides, a simple Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives pairs perfectly. I also love some warm pita bread on the side to scoop up extra tzatziki and rice—comfort food level 100.

Creative Ways to Present

On special occasions, I’ve served this dish in individual ramekins layered with chicken, rice, and topped with tzatziki and dill for a cute, personal presentation. It’s a fun change when hosting friends, plus it makes portioning a breeze!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, let any leftovers cool completely before storing them in airtight containers in the fridge. I keep mine up to 3 days, and it reheats beautifully without losing moisture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover Easy Baked Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe before with good results—just make sure to store it without the fresh garnishes and add those after reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently for best texture.

Reheating

When I reheat, I cover the dish loosely with foil (or a microwave-safe lid) to keep moisture in, then warm it in the oven at 325°F or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or a dollop of yogurt helps revive the texture if it feels dry.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds more fiber and a nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind it needs a longer cooking time and more liquid, so you might want to partially cook it first or adjust broth amounts, and possibly bake longer to ensure tenderness.
Is chicken thighs or breasts better for this recipe?

Both work well, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more forgiving if you accidentally slightly overbake. Breasts will be leaner but require careful monitoring to avoid drying out.
Can I make the tzatziki in advance?

Yes, making tzatziki ahead actually helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a quick stir before spooning over the chicken. Make sure to drain the cucumber well in advance to avoid watery sauce.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?

If you don’t have fresh dill on hand, fresh parsley or mint can be great substitutes in tzatziki. Dried dill is an option but add it sparingly since it can be more potent and won’t provide the same fresh burst.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe is one of those dishes that just feels like home. Whether you’re feeding family, entertaining friends, or eating solo, it delivers on comfort and flavor without a ton of fuss in the kitchen. I’ve made it countless times, and every time it hits the right spot—a little creamy, a little tangy, always satisfying. So go ahead, give it a try, and make this tasty, wholesome meal part of your dinner rotation. I promise you’ll want to make it again and again.

Easy Baked Chicken Tzatziki Rice Recipe