Name: Delicious Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake for Family Nights
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for chicken marinade); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for chicken marinade); 2 cloves garlic, minced (for chicken marinade); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt (for chicken marinade); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for chicken marinade); 2 tablespoons olive oil (for rice base); 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced (for rice base); 1.5 cups (300g) long-grain white rice, rinsed thoroughly; 3 cups (720ml) low-sodium chicken broth (for rice base); 1 bay leaf; 1/2 teaspoon salt (for rice base); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for rice base); 1 large English cucumber (450g), grated and thoroughly squeezed dry; 1.5 cups (360g) plain full-fat Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream (full-fat); 3 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for sauce); 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill; 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint; 1/4 teaspoon salt (for sauce); 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce); 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth (for thinning sauce); 1.5 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish (optional); Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake is a one-pan wonder that has transformed my weeknight dinners. This dish is a delightful blend of succulent chicken, fluffy rice, and a refreshing, tangy tzatziki-inspired sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It not only captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine but also saves time in the kitchen, making it perfect for busy families. Join me as we explore how to create this easy and flavorful meal that your family will love!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake

This dish is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. Here’s why you’ll want to add it to your weekly rotation:

Quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
One-pan meal, minimizing cleanup time.
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers, great for lunchboxes.
Rich in protein, making it a healthy choice for dinner.
Kid-friendly flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Can be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices.
It fits well within a gluten-free diet, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
Brings fresh Mediterranean flavors to your table.

Ingredients for Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake

Gather these items:

1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil (for chicken marinade)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for chicken marinade)
2 cloves garlic, minced (for chicken marinade)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt (for chicken marinade)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for chicken marinade)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for rice base)
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced (for rice base)
1.5 cups (300g) long-grain white rice, rinsed thoroughly
3 cups (720ml) low-sodium chicken broth (for rice base)
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon salt (for rice base)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for rice base)
1 large English cucumber (450g), grated and thoroughly squeezed dry
1.5 cups (360g) plain full-fat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup (120g) sour cream (full-fat)
3 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for sauce)
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
1/4 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
1/8 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)
1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth (for thinning sauce)
1.5 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

How to Make Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cut 1.5 lbs chicken into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, combine chicken with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Toss to coat and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Dice onion, mince remaining garlic. Grate 1 large English cucumber, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, let sit 10-15 minutes, then squeeze out as much water as possible. Finely chop fresh dill and mint.
Step 3: In a large oven-safe Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 5-7 minutes until soft. Add 3 minced garlic cloves; cook 1 minute. Add 1.5 cups rinsed rice; toast 2-3 minutes. Stir in 3 cups chicken broth, bay leaf, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 12 minutes. Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice, remove bay leaf, and spread evenly in the pot or a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: While rice rests, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear marinated chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the thoroughly drained grated cucumber, 1.5 cups Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup sour cream, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped dill, 2 tbsp chopped mint, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper. Whisk in 1/2 cup chicken broth until smooth and pourable. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Step 5: Layer the seared chicken cubes evenly over the rice. Pour the creamy tzatziki sauce evenly over the chicken and rice. Sprinkle with 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes.
Step 6: Carefully remove the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake

Keep these in mind:

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours.
Adjust the seasoning in the tzatziki sauce to your preference.
Consider adding roasted vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake

This savory dish pairs wonderfully with:

Fresh Greek salad for a light crunch.
Warm pita bread to scoop up the creamy sauce.
Steamed vegetables for added nutrients.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This makes for a fantastic meal prep option!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake

What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake?

The secret lies in marinating the chicken well and ensuring you use fresh ingredients for the tzatziki sauce. This enhances the flavors significantly, making it a memorable dish!

Can I make Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready for a delicious meal!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake?

Make sure not to overcook the chicken when searing, and allow the dish to rest after baking to prevent it from becoming too dry. This will enhance the overall texture and flavor.

Variations of Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake You Can Try

There are several fun variations to explore:

Add spinach or kale for a nutrient boost.
Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
Substitute chicken with chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Experiment with different cheeses like feta for a stronger flavor.

Delicious Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake for Family Nights - Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake - main visual representation

For more tips on meal prep, check out our meal prep guide to make your cooking experience even smoother.

Delicious Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake for Family Nights - Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bake - additional detail

For a deeper dive into Mediterranean cuisine, visit this article that explores more delicious recipes.

Lastly, if you’re interested in the health benefits of Greek yogurt, check out this Healthline article for more information.