Description
A flavorful and wholesome one-dish meal featuring tender baked chicken seasoned with Mediterranean spices, accompanied by aromatic rice and grated zucchini, all topped with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfectly balanced and easy to prepare, this Chicken Tzatziki and Rice recipe delivers vibrant flavors and satisfying textures for a delightful dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice
- 2 lbs chicken breasts or chicken thighs (boneless and skinless, diced into bite-size pieces)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 medium zucchini (grated)
- 2 cups chicken broth
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1/2 cup cucumber (finely chopped)
- 1 cup thick Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh mint (chopped)
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Season Chicken: Place the diced chicken into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper, then pour over the lemon juice and olive oil. Toss to coat all chicken pieces evenly.
- Add Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine dried parsley, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the chicken and toss again thoroughly so every bite is flavorful. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare Rice Mixture: After marinating, add the uncooked long-grain rice to the baking dish, followed by the grated zucchini. Pour in the chicken broth and gently stir everything to evenly distribute rice and vegetables among the seasoned chicken pieces.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, sealing the edges well to trap steam. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes if using a metal pan, or 50–60 minutes if using glass or ceramic, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Make Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken and rice bake, prepare the tzatziki. In a bowl, mix together finely chopped cucumber, thick Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, sea salt, chopped dill, and chopped mint until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven once done. Divide the chicken and rice into four bowls, spoon a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on top, garnish with a lemon wedge and chopped fresh parsley for freshness and color. Enjoy your delicious, wholesome meal!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes at room temperature helps deepen the flavors.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken thighs for a juicier dish.
- Ensure the baking dish is well covered with foil to trap steam and cook rice properly.
- For thicker tzatziki, strain excess moisture from cucumber before mixing.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges to add brightness as desired.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean