I remember the first time I tried making Baked Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe—I was pressed for time but craving something fresh and flavorful. This dish quickly became my go-to weeknight meal because it’s easy, wholesome, and packed with Mediterranean flavors.
The tender chicken bakes perfectly alongside fluffy rice, all topped with a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce. Every bite feels like a restaurant-quality meal at home. It’s comforting, light, and utterly satisfying, especially when paired with something sweet later like Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting Recipe to round out the meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this vibrant, one-dish Mediterranean meal:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces – tender and quick-cooking
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice – ensures fluffy rice
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth – for moist, flavorful rice
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt – full-fat preferred for creaminess
- ⅓ cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry – prevents watery sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil – adds richness and prevents sticking
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – for aromatic depth
- 1 tsp dried dill – classic Mediterranean flavor
- 1 tsp dried oregano – earthy herbal note
- ½ tsp ground cumin – subtle warmth
- Salt and pepper to taste – enhances all flavors
- Juice of 1 lemon – brightens the dish
- ½ cup crumbled feta (optional) – adds creamy tang
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped – for garnish and freshness
Note: Serves 6 generously.
Variations
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences:
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor.
- Swap Greek yogurt for dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option.
- Replace rice with quinoa or brown rice for extra fiber.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra depth.
- Substitute feta with vegan cheese or skip entirely.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Equipment You Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – holds all ingredients evenly
- Cheese grater – for fresh cucumber
- Measuring cups and spoons – accurate ingredient portions
- Mixing bowls – for yogurt and rice preparation
- Aluminum foil – traps moisture for tender chicken
How to Make Baked Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe?
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking. Preheating ensures even cooking and a tender casserole.
Prepare the Rice Base
Mix uncooked rice, chicken broth, olive oil, garlic, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper in the baking dish. Spread the rice evenly for uniform cooking.
Add Chicken and Yogurt
Arrange chicken pieces over the rice. Whisk yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice, then pour over chicken and rice. Spread gently to coat everything.
Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F. Moisture from foil keeps chicken juicy and rice fluffy.
Add Toppings and Serve
Sprinkle feta (if using) and return to oven for 5 minutes uncovered. Garnish with parsley or cilantro for fresh flavor and visual appeal.
Serve
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes. Serve warm with a Greek salad, cucumber salad, or pita for a complete Mediterranean meal, and for heartier cravings, dishes like Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs Recipe fit right into the same comfort-food spread.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
- I always squeeze cucumber well to avoid watery tzatziki.
- I like using full-fat Greek yogurt for creamier texture.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- I add extra lemon juice if I want a brighter, tangier flavor.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe?
I love serving this dish straight from the oven, garnished with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Pair it with warm pita or a crisp Greek salad. For extra appeal, sprinkle some paprika or freshly cracked black pepper on top. It looks as good as it tastes!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a snapshot of what you’re getting per serving:
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 12g
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Can be frozen for 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish is a keeper for many reasons:
- It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy nights.
- One-dish meal means minimal cleanup.
- Healthy and packed with protein and fresh ingredients.
- Versatile – easily adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets.
- Flavors are bright, fresh, and authentically Mediterranean.
Baked Chicken Tzatziki with Rice Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking. Preheating ensures even cooking and a tender casserole.
- Mix uncooked rice, chicken broth, olive oil, garlic, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper in the baking dish. Spread the rice evenly for uniform cooking.
- Arrange chicken pieces over the rice. Whisk yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice, then pour over chicken and rice. Spread gently to coat everything.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F. Moisture from foil keeps chicken juicy and rice fluffy.
- Sprinkle feta (if using) and return to oven for 5 minutes uncovered. Garnish with parsley or cilantro for fresh flavor and visual appeal.
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes. Serve warm with a Greek salad, cucumber salad, or pita for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- I always squeeze cucumber well to avoid watery tzatziki.
- I like using full-fat Greek yogurt for creamier texture.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- I add extra lemon juice if I want a brighter, tangier flavor.