Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is the ultimate comfort meal for those busy days when you crave a flavorful, nutritious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. This easy, one-pan dish combines juicy chicken, fragrant rice, and creamy tzatziki sauce, making for a perfectly balanced meal that requires minimal effort. With Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this dish brings together tender chicken breasts, seasoned rice, and a cool, tangy tzatziki sauce that will transport your taste buds to a sunny Mediterranean coast. Whether you’re cooking for a family or preparing a quick weeknight meal, this recipe delivers a satisfying and healthy dish with ease.
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- 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 the chicken sit and marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°F).
- Add the uncooked rice, zucchini, and chicken broth to the pan with the chicken. Stir to combine.
- Cover tightly and bake for 40 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. If needed, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until rice is done.
- Fluff rice with a fork and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve topped with tzatziki, fresh herbs, and lemon.
Notes
- Use only long grain white rice - brown rice, wild rice, or instant rice won't work
- Use smoked paprika for authentic shawarma-like flavor
- Glass or ceramic dishes will take longer to cook than metal pans