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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

This dump-and-bake version of chicken tzatzikii and rice is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 people
Calories 384 kcal

Equipment

  • 9 x 13-inch baking dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano or dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt such as Lawry’s brand
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
  • 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 1 ½ cups grated)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 serving tzatziki sauce for serving
  • 1 serving pita bread for serving
  • 1 serving chopped fresh herbs such as dill, basil, parsley, or chives
  • 1 serving fresh lemon for serving

Instructions
 

  • Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In the prepared dish, toss chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne. Let the chicken sit and marinate in the herbs and spices at room temperature for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°F).
  • Add the uncooked rice, zucchini, and chicken broth to the pan with the chicken. Stir to combine. Cover tightly with foil.
  • Bake for 45-50 minutes for metal pans or about 50-60 minutes for glass or ceramic pans, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  • Taste a bite of the rice. The rice should be tender. Use a fork to stir and fluff the rice. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Serve the chicken and rice topped with tzatziki, fresh herbs, and lemon.

Notes

Use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. You can add a little cayenne for heat or omit it for a milder option. Cover the dish tightly to ensure proper cooking of the rice. Use uncooked long grain white rice and prefer regular chicken broth for better flavor. Don't overcook the rice to prevent gummyness. Fluff the rice with a fork rather than stirring with a large spoon.

Nutrition

Serving: 1dishCalories: 384kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 29gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 1012mgPotassium: 670mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 504IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chicken tzatziki, chicken tzatziki and rice, tzatziki chicken
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