Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice for Effortless Flavor Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a deliciously easy one-dish meal that combines tender baked chicken with fragrant rice and a creamy tzatziki sauce. This recipe brings effortless Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal preparation and maximum taste.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Long Grain White Rice (Jasmine or basmati rice are great alternatives)
• 4 cups Chicken Broth (Or water for a less savory option)
• 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Skinless thighs are a tasty substitute)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Drizzled on chicken for a golden crust)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Essential for flavor)
• 1 cup Greek Yogurt (Or dairy-free yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh garlic infuses robust flavor)
• 1 cup Grated Cucumber (Squeeze out excess moisture)
• 2 tablespoons Dill (Fresh preferred over dried)
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Brightens the sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Oregano (Can mix up with Italian seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon Paprika (Enhances flavor profile)
• 1 cup Cucumber Substitute (Diced zucchini or bell pepper work)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Spread the uncooked rice evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Step 3: Pour chicken broth (or water) over the rice without stirring.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, dill, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the tzatziki sauce.
5. Step 5: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel; drizzle them with olive oil and place on top of the rice.
6. Step 6: Spread a generous amount of the tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast.
7. Step 7: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 50 to 60 minutes.
8. Step 8: Once done, let the dish rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven.
9. Step 9: Serve garnished with additional fresh dill or parsley and lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

• Using skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts can add extra juiciness and flavor.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with your favorite dairy-free yogurt.
• You can replace grated cucumber with diced zucchini or bell pepper to vary the texture and taste.
• Fresh dill enhances the flavor more than dried, so use fresh if possible.
• Serve with a side salad or warm pita bread for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or water before reheating can help keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so adjust accordingly and consider partially cooking the brown rice before baking.

Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil?

Covering with foil prevents the chicken and rice from drying out as they bake, ensuring tender and moist results. It’s recommended to keep the foil on during baking.

Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice for Effortless Flavor Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 113 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice recipe combines tender chicken breasts baked on a bed of flavorful rice with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. The dish is easy to prepare, using simple ingredients like Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and spices to infuse Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it delivers a balanced meal of protein, carbs, and fresh zest without complicated steps or equipment.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Broth

• 2 cups Long Grain White Rice (Jasmine or basmati rice are great alternatives)
• 4 cups Chicken Broth (Or water for a less savory option)

Chicken

• 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Skinless thighs are a tasty substitute)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Drizzled on chicken for a golden crust)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Essential for flavor)

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek Yogurt (Or dairy-free yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh garlic infuses robust flavor)
• 1 cup Grated Cucumber (Squeeze out excess moisture)
• 2 tablespoons Dill (Fresh preferred over dried)
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Brightens the sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Oregano (Can mix up with Italian seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon Paprika (Enhances flavor profile)
• 1 cup Cucumber Substitute (Diced zucchini or bell pepper work)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully heat while you prepare the ingredients, ensuring even cooking once the dish goes in.
2. Prepare Rice and Broth: Evenly spread the uncooked rice in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the chicken broth (or water) over the rice without stirring to keep the grains separated during baking.
3. Make Tzatziki Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber (with moisture squeezed out), fresh dill, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to develop the creamy, flavorful sauce.
4. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the olive oil stick and promote browning. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and place the pieces on top of the rice layer in the baking dish.
5. Apply the Sauce: Generously spread the prepared tzatziki sauce over each chicken breast, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor infusion during baking.
6. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap steam, then bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
7. Rest the Dish: Carefully remove the foil and let the dish rest for 5 minutes outside the oven. This helps the rice finish absorbing moisture and allows flavors to settle.
8. Serve: Garnish with additional fresh dill or parsley and serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over the top for a bright finishing touch.

Notes

• You can substitute skinless chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier result.
• Use dairy-free yogurt to make the dish lighter or suitable for lactose intolerant guests.
• Squeeze excess moisture from the grated cucumber to prevent a watery sauce.
• If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill can be used but reduce quantity to 1 tablespoon as it’s more concentrated.
• Covering with foil during baking prevents the chicken and rice from drying out.
• Letting the dish rest after baking improves texture and flavor melding.
• Jasmine or basmati rice are excellent aromatic alternatives to plain long grain rice.
• The dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: chicken tzatziki, baked chicken rice, Mediterranean chicken, one dish chicken meal, Greek yogurt chicken, creamy garlic chicken, healthy baked chicken