Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
450 g boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-size pieces
02 -
200 g uncooked long grain white rice
03 -
1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (approximately 180 g)
04 -
480 ml chicken broth
→ Marinade Base
05 -
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
06 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
→ Fresh Herbs
07 -
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or ½ teaspoon dried parsley
08 -
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano or ½ teaspoon dried oregano
09 -
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
→ Seasonings
10 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 -
¾ teaspoon seasoned salt
12 -
½ teaspoon ground cumin
13 -
½ teaspoon onion powder
14 -
½ teaspoon garlic powder
15 -
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
16 -
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
17 -
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
→ For Serving
18 -
Tzatziki sauce
19 -
Pita bread
20 -
Assorted fresh herbs such as dill, basil, parsley, or chives
21 -
Fresh lemon wedges
# Instructions:
01 -
Lightly grease a 33 x 23 cm baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
02 -
In the prepared dish, combine diced chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly and allow to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 190°C during this time.
03 -
Add uncooked white rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth directly to the marinated chicken mixture. Stir until evenly distributed.
04 -
Cover the dish tightly with aluminium foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. If necessary, extend baking time by 5–10 minutes for thorough cooking.
05 -
Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve warm, topped with tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and pita bread on the side.
# Notes:
01 -
Utilise only long grain white rice; alternatives such as brown rice, wild rice, or instant rice require different liquid ratios and cooking durations.
02 -
Smoked paprika imparts an authentic, grilled flavour reminiscent of traditional souvlaki.
03 -
Ensure the baking dish is covered tightly to trap steam and achieve proper rice texture.