Name: Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490153H16M30S
Total time: 1 h 20 min
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 (for serving); Pita bread (for serving); Fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or chives, for garnish); Fresh lemon (for serving)

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Introduction

This Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake is a wholesome, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and creamy tzatziki come together with zucchini and rice for a comforting dish everyone will love.

The image shows a close-up of a white speckled bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is creamy cooked rice with a soft, fluffy texture and light yellow tones; the middle layer consists of several chunks of grilled chicken, golden brown with visible seasoning and small green herb pieces scattered on top; the top layer is a spoonful of white creamy sauce mixed with chopped green herbs placed on the rice and chicken. To the side, there is a bright yellow lemon wedge resting on the rice near a metal spoon. The bowl sits 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
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 1½ cups)
2 cups chicken broth
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
Tzatziki sauce, for serving
Pita bread, for serving
Fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or chives), for garnish
Fresh lemon, for squeezing over

Instructions

Step 1: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: In the baking dish, combine the chicken pieces with lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly 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 in the dish. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine.
Step 4: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. If needed, bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the foil and fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, topped with tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy with warm pita bread on the side.

Tips & Variations

Try substituting brown rice and increase baking time by 10-15 minutes for a nuttier flavor.
Add chopped bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and sweetness.
Use Greek yogurt mixed with cucumber and garlic if you want to make homemade tzatziki sauce.
For a spice-free version, reduce or omit cayenne pepper and smoked paprika.
Chicken thighs stay moister than breasts and work especially well in this bake.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

The dish shows a white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy, creamy yellow rice. On top of the rice, there are several pieces of grilled chicken with a golden-brown color and visible herbs on the surface, adding texture. Next to the chicken, there is a dollop of white sauce with green herbs mixed in, giving it a speckled look. A wedge of bright yellow lemon is placed on the side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a spoon partially visible on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use jasmine or basmati rice, but cooking times may vary slightly. If using brown rice, extend the baking time and check moisture levels to ensure it cooks fully.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This bake keeps well in the fridge and can be portioned out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just add fresh herbs and tzatziki before serving to keep flavors bright.