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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

This easy one-pan Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice combines Mediterranean flavors with tender chicken and fluffy rice for an effortless dinner.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
  • 1.5 cups coarsely grated zucchini about 1 medium zucchini
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Marinade Base

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh Herbs

  • 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

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

For Serving

  • 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.
  • 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

Only use long grain white rice - brown rice, wild rice, or instant rice won't work with these liquid ratios and cooking times. Use smoked paprika specifically for that authentic charred flavor similar to grilled souvlaki. Covering the dish tightly is crucial to prevent steam from escaping while cooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg
Keyword chicken recipe, Chicken Tzatziki Rice, dump-and-bake, easy dinner, Mediterranean flavors, one-pan meal
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