Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and fluffy rice all baked together for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s brand)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 1 1/2 cups grated)
- 2 cups chicken broth
For Serving:
- tzatziki sauce
- pita bread
- chopped fresh herbs such as fresh dill, basil, parsley, or chives
- fresh lemon
Instructions
- Preheat: Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Marinate: In the prepared 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. Let sit for 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine: Add the uncooked rice, zucchini, and chicken broth to the pan with the chicken. Stir to combine.
- Bake: Cover tightly and bake for 40 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Check and Serve: Taste the rice for doneness. Fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve topped with tzatziki, fresh herbs, and lemon.
Notes
- This recipe is specifically designed and tested with uncooked long grain white rice. Do not substitute with brown rice, wild rice, or instant rice.
- Use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil for proper cooking.
- Do not overcook to avoid mushy rice.
- Fluff the rice with a fork to maintain a light texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg