Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake
A cozy and delicious dish combining tender chicken, soft rice, and fresh zucchini, baked together with flavors of lemon and herbs, perfect for busy weekdays.
Ingredients
Main 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 Use low-sodium for a healthier option.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Herbs and Spices
- 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
Serving Suggestions
- Tzatziki sauce
- Pita bread
- Fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or chives)
- Fresh lemon
Instructions
Preparation
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In the prepared dish, combine chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, and all herbs and spices. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 375°F.
- Add the uncooked rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth to the pan with the marinated chicken. Stir everything together well.
Baking
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed. If needed, bake 5-10 minutes longer.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve topped with tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon.
Notes
Let the chicken marinate for a full 30 minutes for the best flavor. Customize the taste with a mix of herbs. Adjust cooking time based on your oven. Always fluff the rice with a fork after baking to keep it light and fluffy.