Description
Creamy chicken tzatziki rice delivers Mediterranean comfort in one simple pan. Home cooks can enjoy this easy Greek-inspired meal with minimal preparation and maximum flavor satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-size pieces
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (192 grams) uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 1.5 cups or 112 grams)
Marinade and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 0.5 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or 0.5 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or 0.25 teaspoon dried)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.75 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 0.5 teaspoon cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon turmeric
- 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Serving Suggestions:
- Tzatziki sauce
- Pita bread
- Fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or chives)
- Fresh lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Infuse chicken with robust Mediterranean flavors by combining lemon juice, olive oil, and aromatic herbs directly in the baking dish. Allow chicken to marinate for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 375°F, which helps develop deeper taste profiles.
- Transform the dish into a complete meal by incorporating uncooked rice, freshly grated zucchini, and rich chicken broth. Mix ingredients thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly and ensure uniform cooking.
- Shield the culinary creation with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment that promotes moisture retention. Bake for 40-45 minutes at 375°F, periodically checking rice tenderness and liquid absorption.
- Once cooking is complete, gently fluff rice with a fork to create a light, airy texture. Enhance final presentation by generously topping with cool tzatziki sauce, sprinkle fresh herbs, and finish with a bright citrus squeeze for balanced flavor complexity.
Notes
- Marinating Tip: Boost chicken flavor by using Greek yogurt as a marinade base, which tenderizes meat and adds creamy richness.
- Zucchini Hack: Squeeze out excess moisture from grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy rice texture.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Confirm chicken broth is gluten-free and use certified gluten-free rice for those with dietary restrictions.
- Meal Prep Magic: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the week with fresh herbs sprinkled on top.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg