Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe
Tzatziki Rice Bake is a flavorful one-dish meal combining tender marinated chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh grated zucchini, all baked together and topped with cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. This hearty yet light casserole infuses Mediterranean herbs and spices for a delicious and easy dinner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and 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 Mixture
- 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 thoroughly or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the rice bake does not stick during cooking.
- Marinate Chicken: In the prepared baking dish, combine the diced chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, fresh and dried herbs, and all spices. Mix well and let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine Ingredients: Add the uncooked long grain white rice, coarsely grated zucchini, and chicken broth directly into the baking dish with the marinated chicken. Stir all ingredients together to ensure an even distribution.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. If the rice hasn’t fully cooked, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes as needed.
- Final Steps: Remove the dish from the oven and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the bake topped with generous spoonfuls of tzatziki sauce, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Accompany with warm pita bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken in the baking dish saves on cleanup and enhances flavor.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier meat.
- Adjust spices to your taste, reducing cayenne pepper for less heat.
- Ensure the baking dish is well covered with foil to prevent the rice from drying out.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently.
Keywords: Tzatziki Rice Bake, Mediterranean chicken casserole, baked chicken and rice, easy dinner recipes, one dish meals
Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/tzatziki-rice-bake-recipe/
