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Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake

Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake

A flavorful one-pan Mediterranean chicken and rice bake with tender chicken, zucchini, and aromatic herbs, finished with refreshing tzatziki for an effortless and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 people
Calories 384 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish
  • 1 aluminum foil
  • 1 box grater for grating zucchini
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons

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 serving
  • Fresh lemon for serving

Instructions
 

  • Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Combine diced chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, fresh and dried herbs, and spices in the prepared dish. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 375°F.
  • Add uncooked rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth to the marinated chicken. Stir everything together thoroughly.
  • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes or until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed. If needed, bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork, taste, and adjust seasoning if desired. Serve topped with tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon alongside pita bread.

Notes

  • Use only long grain white rice for best results with the given liquid ratio and cooking time.
  • Smoked paprika adds authentic grilled flavor reminiscent of souvlaki.
  • Cover dish tightly to retain steam and ensure evenly cooked rice and chicken.