Description
Zesty Mediterranean dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki with rice promises a flavor explosion of Greek-inspired comfort. Minimal prep meets maximum taste, delivering a simple yet sophisticated meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Sauce:
- 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Rice and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice (or basmati)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Preparation and Garnish Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Create a flavorful foundation by combining rice, chicken broth, and aromatic seasonings directly in a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring thorough mixing for even flavor distribution.
- Gently place chicken breasts atop the seasoned rice mixture, allowing them to nestle comfortably into the liquid base.
- Generously spread tzatziki sauce across the chicken, creating a creamy, tangy layer that will infuse moisture and Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
- Seal the baking dish completely with aluminum foil, trapping steam and heat to promote even cooking and tender rice.
- Roast in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 35 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb liquid and the chicken to begin cooking.
- Uncover the dish and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, enabling the chicken to develop a light golden surface and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute juices and complete the cooking process.
- Enhance the visual appeal and add fresh texture by artfully scattering cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh herbs across the surface.
- Serve immediately with zesty lemon wedges, offering guests a bright, citrusy accent to complement the rich, creamy tzatziki and tender chicken.
Notes
- Choose quick-cooking rice like basmati or jasmine to ensure perfect texture without becoming mushy during baking.
- Swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful protein option that stays juicy throughout cooking.
- Customize tzatziki sauce by using Greek yogurt with different fat percentages or making a dairy-free version with coconut yogurt for lactose-intolerant guests.
- Enhance meal’s nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like roasted zucchini or bell peppers directly into the rice mixture for a one-pan dinner solution.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg