Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe
This Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake is a flavorful and wholesome one-pan meal that combines tender marinated chicken, tender rice, and fresh herbs, all baked to perfection and topped with a refreshing tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this Greek-inspired dish brings together vibrant spices and creamy tangy elements in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 1½ cups)
- 2 cups chicken broth
Marinade Base
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh Herbs
- 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)
Seasonings
- 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
For Serving
- Tzatziki sauce
- Pita bread
- Fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or chives)
- Fresh lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the ingredients don’t stick during baking.
- Marinate the Chicken: In the prepared baking dish, combine the diced chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, thyme), and all the spices including smoked paprika, seasoned salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Mix well, cover, and let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Add Rice and Zucchini: After marinating, add the uncooked long grain white rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth into the baking dish with the marinated chicken. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. The dish is ready when the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. If the rice isn’t quite done, continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes as needed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and taste to adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve warm, topped generously with tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs like dill or basil, and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Accompany with warm pita bread if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh herbs, but dried herbs can be substituted if necessary.
- Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil to keep steam inside for even cooking of both rice and chicken.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breast for a juicier texture.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount according to your spice preference.
Find it online: https://crispcharm.com/easy-chicken-tzatziki-rice-bake-recipe/
