Description
Creamy, herby, and comforting, this one-pan chicken tzatziki bake with rice brings Mediterranean flavor together in an easy, oven-baked meal. Juicy chicken cooks over lemony rice while tzatziki melts into a creamy, savory base that stays moist and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds chicken thighs or breasts
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2½ cups chicken broth, warm
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Sliced cucumber, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Drizzle with olive oil and rub evenly.
- Add uncooked rice to a large baking dish. Scatter garlic and onion over the rice. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir gently to combine.
- Spoon tzatziki over the rice mixture and lightly swirl it into the liquid without fully mixing.
- Nestle the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture, pressing slightly so they sit snugly.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh dill, parsley, and cucumber before serving.
Notes
- Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts also work well.
- If rice looks dry during baking, add a splash of warm broth before uncovering.
- Serve with extra tzatziki, pita, or a Greek-style salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg