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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice

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This dump-and-bake version of chicken tzatziki and rice is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy! Tender marinated chicken bakes together with rice and zucchini in one dish, then gets finished with cool, creamy tzatziki and fresh herbs for an effortless Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh oregano (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1/4 tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3/4 tsp seasoned salt
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 medium zucchini, grated
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • For serving: tzatziki sauce, pita bread, fresh herbs, lemon

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In the dish, toss chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne.
  3. Let chicken marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Add uncooked rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Cover tightly with foil to trap steam.
  6. Bake for 45–50 minutes in a metal pan or 50–60 minutes in a glass or ceramic pan, until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  7. Fluff rice with a fork, season to taste, and serve topped with tzatziki, fresh herbs, and lemon.

Notes

  • Chicken breasts or thighs both work well.
  • Omit cayenne for a mild version.
  • Cover tightly so rice cooks properly.
  • Use uncooked long-grain white rice only.
  • Do not overcook or rice may become mushy.
  • Author: lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Dump-and-Bake
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean