Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe
This Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake is a wholesome and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender marinated chicken, aromatic herbs and spices, fluffy rice, and fresh zucchini. Baked to perfection, it is topped off with creamy tzatziki sauce and fresh herbs for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dinner that is simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (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 ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 1½ cups)
- 2 cups chicken broth
To Serve
- Tzatziki sauce
- Pita bread
- Fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or chives)
- Fresh lemon
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the dish doesn’t stick and cleanup is easy.
- Marinate Chicken: In the prepared baking dish, combine the diced chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh or dried herbs, and all the spices listed. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), allowing the flavors to infuse the chicken.
- Combine Ingredients: After marination, add the uncooked long grain white rice, coarsely grated zucchini, and chicken broth directly into the baking dish with the marinated chicken. Stir everything well to combine all ingredients evenly, ensuring the rice and zucchini are submerged in the broth for even cooking.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and prevent the dish from drying out. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If the rice is still a bit firm or there’s excess liquid, continue baking uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Final Steps: Remove the dish from the oven and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm, topped generously with creamy tzatziki sauce, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Enjoy with warm pita bread on the side.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use fresh herbs when possible, but dried herbs work well too.
- Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for better absorption of flavors.
- If you prefer, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it lighter.
- Be sure to cover the dish tightly while baking to ensure the rice cooks evenly and remains moist.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of broth or water.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake, Mediterranean Chicken Bake, One-Pan Chicken Rice Casserole, Easy Chicken Dinner, Tzatziki Chicken Recipe
Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/easy-chicken-tzatziki-rice-bake-recipe/
