Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Enjoy the flavors of Greece with minimal effort! This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and long-grain white rice in one pan, topped with creamy tzatziki for a complete, fuss-free meal. The grated zucchini adds moisture and sneaks in extra veggies, while the marinade infuses the rice and chicken with authentic Mediterranean flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off cooking: Everything bakes together in one pan, creating layers of flavor without constant stirring.
• Tender, juicy chicken: Marinated as it cooks, the chicken releases its flavors into the rice below.
• Flavor contrast: Warm, spiced rice pairs beautifully with cool, creamy tzatziki.
• Minimal prep: Marinate the chicken while preheating the oven and dump everything into the pan—no complicated steps.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (~1½ cups)
• 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
• ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Serving

• Tzatziki sauce
• Pita bread
• Fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or chives)
• Fresh lemon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Marinate the chicken: In the prepared dish, combine diced chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, and seasonings. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Add rice and zucchini: Stir uncooked rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth into the pan with the marinated chicken. Mix well.
4. Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. If needed, bake an additional 5–10 minutes.
5. Finish: Fluff the rice with a fork, taste, and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve topped with tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon.

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Tips & Notes

• Rice choice: Only use long-grain white rice—brown, wild, or instant rice won’t work with these liquid ratios.
• Smoked paprika: Essential for authentic charred flavor reminiscent of grilled souvlaki.
• Cover tightly: A tight foil seal keeps steam in, ensuring perfectly cooked rice and tender chicken.
• Optional additions: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for more color and nutrition.

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Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Box grater for zucchini
• Measuring cups and spoons

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This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner: flavorful, comforting, and packed with Mediterranean goodness in every bite.