Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe
This Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken marinated with fresh herbs and spices, combined with zucchini, rice, and chicken broth, then baked to perfection. Topped with refreshing tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon, this dish balances wholesome ingredients and vibrant Mediterranean flavors for a simple, satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & 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
Rice & Vegetables
- 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 well with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the diced chicken in the baking dish and add lemon juice, olive oil, fresh or dried parsley, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly, then let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven.
- Combine Ingredients: After marinating, add the uncooked long grain white rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth directly to the baking dish with the chicken. Stir all ingredients well to combine and distribute evenly.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture inside and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Check for doneness by testing if the rice is tender and the liquid mostly absorbed. If the rice needs more time, bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Final Steps: Once baked, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the bake topped with generous dollops of tzatziki sauce, garnished fresh herbs of your choice, and a fresh squeeze of lemon. Accompany with warm pita bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs work well in a pinch.
- You can prepare the marinade earlier in the day and refrigerate it until ready to bake to enhance flavors.
- Make sure to cover the dish tightly to ensure the rice cooks properly and stays moist.
- Tzatziki sauce can be store-bought or homemade for a fresher taste.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon right before serving brightens the flavors and adds freshness.
Keywords: Chicken rice bake, Mediterranean chicken, Tzatziki sauce, Easy chicken dinner, One pan meal
