Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a Mediterranean-inspired one-pan casserole featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, aromatic herbs, and a creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 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
- Optional: chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, basil, parsley, or chives) and fresh lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In the prepared dish, combine the chicken, 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. Let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Add the uncooked rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth to the dish with the marinated chicken. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Remove the dish from the oven and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Serve the chicken and rice topped with tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Marinating enhances flavor, but can be skipped if short on time.
- Use store-bought tzatziki sauce for convenience.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Adjust cayenne or add red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
