Name: Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-size pieces; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 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); 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; 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice; 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 1½ cups); 2 cups chicken broth; Tzatziki sauce; Pita bread; Fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or chives); Fresh lemon

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a one-pan wonder that will instantly make you the dinner hero of your household, the Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake is about to become your new best friend. It’s everything we love about Mediterranean flavors — juicy marinated chicken, tender rice, bright herby notes, tangy lemon, and plenty of fresh zest — all baked together effortlessly in the oven. Then, it’s finished with cool, creamy tzatziki that turns every bite into an utter delight. This dish checks all the boxes: vibrant, full of comforting textures, and ready to wow anyone who tries it. Get ready to fall in love with the Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself on a busy weeknight!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake lies in its straightforward, common ingredients—each one is chosen for bold flavor or irresistible texture. Gather what you need, and you’ll be amazed by how simply they transform into something spectacular.

Chicken breast or thighs: Choose whichever you prefer—breast for lean and tender, thighs for juicier, richer flavor.
Long grain white rice: This rice cooks up fluffy and light, soaking in all those aromatic herbs and juices.
Zucchini: Grated and stirred in, it adds subtle sweetness and keeps things wonderfully moist.
Chicken broth: Go for a good quality broth for the best savory base—homemade or store-bought, both work.
Lemon juice: Brightens every bite, balancing the richness and refreshing your palate.
Olive oil: Helps keep both chicken and rice moist while lending a fruity, peppery aroma.
Parsley: Fresh or dried, it adds color and a mild herbal lift.
Oregano: The perfect earthy, slightly minty Mediterranean note.
Thyme: Lends a gentle, woodsy depth—fresh or dried, it works beautifully.
Smoked paprika: For that hint of warmth and subtle smokiness.
Seasoned salt: Not only seasons, but brings a little extra punch.
Cumin: Adds earthy, nutty undertones that play well with the vegetables and herbs.
Onion powder: For sweet-savory depth without the need to chop onions.
Garlic powder: Delivers robust flavor with zero fuss.
Black pepper: A bit of gentle heat that sharpens every bite.
Turmeric: Brilliant yellow color and a subtle, earthy aroma.
Cayenne pepper: Just a whisper of spice for those who like a gentle kick.
Tzatziki sauce: The finishing touch—a cooling, creamy partner to all those warm flavors.
Pita bread: Optional, but so good for scooping up every last bit.
Fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or chives): For a vibrant, aromatic garnish.
Fresh lemon: A quick squeeze brightens the whole plate right before serving.

How to Make Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by grabbing your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish. Give it a quick grease with olive oil or nonstick spray—this step is key for easy cleanup, and it ensures those irresistible browned rice edges will lift effortlessly once baked. A generously greased pan invites everything to bake up golden and delicious.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

This is the magic moment: add your diced chicken straight into the dish, then drizzle over the olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle on all those herbs and spices—the parsley, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne. Mix everything right in the pan so the chicken gets evenly coated, and let it marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes. While the chicken drinks in all those bold flavors, preheat your oven to 375°F.

Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients

Once your chicken has marinated, add the uncooked long grain white rice, grated zucchini, and that rich chicken broth right to the pan. Stir everything together until well combined. This may not look glamorous now, but during baking, every kernel of rice absorbs the savory juices, and the zucchini nearly melts into the mixture, guaranteeing plenty of flavor and a luscious, moist texture.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil—this keeps all the moisture locked in, so your rice and chicken cook gently and stay tender. Pop it into your hot oven and bake for 40 minutes. Check that the rice is tender and the liquid almost fully absorbed. If it needs a little longer, bake uncovered for an extra 5 to 10 minutes. Baking time can vary depending on your oven, so don’t be afraid to taste and peek at the rice’s doneness!

Step 5: Fluff and Finish

Once it’s out of the oven, give the rice a gentle fluff with a fork. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you think it needs a sprinkle more salt or squeeze of lemon. Now comes the best part: top generous serving scoops with a big dollop of creamy tzatziki, sprigs of fresh herbs, and a fresh lemon wedge. Serve straight from the dish, preferably with plenty of warm pita bread for scooping.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! A handful of chopped fresh dill, basil, parsley, or snipped chives scattered over the top breathes color and fragrance into every serving. A final squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving lifts all the flavors, while a swirl of chilled tzatziki keeps every bite cool and creamy—especially welcome alongside the warm spiced chicken and rice.

Side Dishes

Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake is plenty satisfying on its own, but a few Mediterranean-inspired sides make it feel like a feast. Think crisp cucumber-tomato salads, warm pita or naan, roasted vegetables, or marinated olives. A simple Greek salad with olives and feta is always a win for a crisp, tangy complement.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by serving the Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake family-style in the baking dish, inviting everyone to help themselves. Or, for a fun twist, try scooping the hot rice bake into individual bowls, topping each with a flourish of tzatziki, herbs, and a lemon wedge. Feeling fancy? Serve with pita cut into triangles standing upright, or even pack spoonfuls into lettuce cups for a light party appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply cover your cooled Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days—making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches. The flavors deepen as it sits, so leftovers might be even better.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze portions for future craving emergencies! Let the bake cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture. Hold off on adding tzatziki, fresh herbs, or lemon until you’re just about to serve.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake gently in a covered ovenproof dish at 325°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Or, microwave individual portions loosely covered until steaming. Add a splash of chicken broth if the rice seems dry, and don’t forget to finish with your favorite toppings!

FAQs

Can I make Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake with brown rice?

Absolutely, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid. Add an extra half cup of chicken broth and plan for an additional 20 to 25 minutes in the oven, checking that the rice is tender before removing the foil.

Can I swap the zucchini for another vegetable?

Definitely! Try grated carrot, spinach, or a mix of bell peppers for different flavors and colors. Just make sure whatever you add is chopped or grated finely so it cooks through evenly with the rice and chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake itself is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your chicken broth and tzatziki sauce don’t have any hidden gluten if you’re being especially careful.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mildly spiced thanks to the smoked paprika and just a pinch of cayenne. If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit the cayenne, or bump it up if you’re in the mood for extra heat!

Can I use store-bought tzatziki, or should I make my own?

Either works! Store-bought tzatziki is delicious and ultra-convenient. If you have time to whip up a homemade batch with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill, it will only elevate the freshness of your Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tasted the burst of sunny flavors in this Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake, it’s bound to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. It’s a joyful, fuss-free meal that feels like a Mediterranean vacation in a pan. So gather your ingredients, invite a friend or two, and experience just how deliciously easy dinner can be!