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A comforting dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki rice bake with creamy sauce

Zesty Mediterranean Dump-and-Bake Chicken with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomato Rice

This easy and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish features tender chicken and sun-dried tomato rice baked to perfection, topped with crumbled feta, and served with a cooling homemade tzatziki sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • aluminum foil
  • medium bowl

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken & Rice Bake:

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice (like Basmati or Jasmine)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup oil-packed sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2% for best results)
  • ½ English cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried mint)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat & Prep

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Combine Rice & Chicken

  • In the baking dish, combine uncooked rice, chicken, broth, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir to distribute rice evenly.

Add Lemon Slices

  • Arrange lemon slices over the chicken and rice mixture.

Bake

  • Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Uncover & Continue Baking

  • Remove foil and bake for 15-20 minutes more, until rice is tender, liquid absorbed, and chicken cooked through.

Add Feta & Rest

  • Remove from oven, sprinkle feta over the top, cover, and let rest for 5-10 minutes.

Make the Tzatziki

  • While baking, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, mint, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and adjust seasoning.

Serve

  • Fluff rice with a fork. Serve warm with generous dollops of tzatziki sauce.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little lemon juice and oregano for 30 minutes before adding to the baking dish. You can also add other Mediterranean vegetables like chopped bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrients and color.