Name: Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491243H40M7S
Total time: PT-491243H40M7S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 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; 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice; 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 1½ cups); 2 cups chicken broth; Tzatziki sauce; Pita bread; Fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or chives); Fresh lemon

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Introduction

This Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender marinated chicken, fragrant rice, and fresh zucchini. Topped with creamy tzatziki and served with warm pita, it’s a satisfying dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.

A bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is yellow rice with green herbs mixed in, the middle layer is a thick, creamy white sauce with green flecks, and the top layer features three pieces of grilled chicken with a golden-brown, slightly charred texture. A lemon wedge rests on the side inside the white bowl, which is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 1½ cups)
2 cups chicken broth
Tzatziki sauce, for serving
Pita bread, for serving
Fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or chives), for garnish
Fresh lemon, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
Step 2: In the prepared dish, combine the diced chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, and all the spices. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken and let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 3: Add the uncooked rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth to the marinated chicken. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Check the rice for tenderness and if needed, bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 5: Remove the foil and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
Step 6: Serve topped with tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy with warm pita bread on the side.

Tips & Variations

Marinate the chicken at room temperature to enhance flavor and tenderness.
Use chicken thighs for a juicier result instead of breast.
Do not squeeze out the water from the grated zucchini as it helps cook the rice and adds moisture.
Tightly covering the dish during baking traps steam, which helps the rice cook evenly and stay moist.
Adjust spices after baking to suit your taste before serving.
Serve with warm pita to soak up the flavorful juices and creamy tzatziki sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist. For best texture, avoid overcooking during reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a dish with three main layers: at the bottom is a fluffy yellow rice mixed with green herbs, topped with several pieces of golden-brown grilled chicken that have visible char marks, and a thick white sauce with green bits is spread over part of the rice next to the chicken. Two lemon wedges rest on the side of the bowl, adding a fresh, bright color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so it’s not ideal for this recipe as written. If using brown rice, pre-cook it before adding to the bake, or adjust the baking time and broth accordingly.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra spices and herbs to enhance flavor if desired.