Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe
This Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake is a flavorful one-pan meal combining tender marinated chicken, aromatic herbs, and fluffy rice, all baked together and served with refreshing tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner, this dish captures Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
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 9x13-inch baking dish or spray it well with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Marinate the Chicken: In the prepared baking dish, combine the diced chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, all chopped herbs, and all spices. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Add Rice and Vegetables: To the marinated chicken in the baking dish, add the uncooked long grain white rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If the rice is not fully cooked, continue baking uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate grains. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the dish topped with tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice alongside warm pita bread.
Notes
- Using bone-in chicken will require longer cooking time; boneless skinless is recommended for even cooking.
- Marinating the chicken unlocks deeper flavor but can be shortened to 15 minutes in a pinch.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For gluten-free, ensure the pita bread served is gluten-free or omit it.
Find it online: https://alinacooks.com/easy-chicken-tzatziki-rice-bake-recipe/
