Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake (Print Version)
Mediterranean chicken and rice bake with flavorful tzatziki, zucchini, and herbs. Oven-baked for effortless, vibrant meals.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
450 g boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
02 -
200 g uncooked long grain white rice
03 -
1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (approximately 150 g)
04 -
480 ml chicken broth
→ Marinade Base
05 -
2 tablespoons lemon juice
06 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Fresh Herbs
07 -
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 0.5 teaspoon dried parsley
08 -
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano or 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
09 -
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or 0.25 teaspoon dried thyme
→ Seasonings
10 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 -
0.75 teaspoon seasoned salt
12 -
0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
13 -
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
14 -
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
15 -
0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
16 -
0.25 teaspoon ground turmeric
17 -
1 pinch cayenne pepper (approximately 0.125 teaspoon)
→ For Serving
18 -
Tzatziki sauce
19 -
Pita bread
20 -
Fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or chives), as desired
21 -
Fresh lemon wedges
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Grease a 33 x 23 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
02 -
In the prepared dish, combine diced chicken, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne. Toss well to coat and let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
03 -
Mix uncooked rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth into the marinated chicken mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine.
04 -
Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed. If needed, continue baking for 5-10 minutes.
05 -
Fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve with tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon. Accompany with warm pita bread.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Only use long grain white rice for reliable texture and absorption; substituting with other varieties may alter cooking times and liquid requirements.
02 -
Smoked paprika imparts an authentic charred flavor reminiscent of grilled souvlaki.
03 -
Ensuring the dish is tightly covered during baking is essential to trap steam and guarantee proper rice cooking.