Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

Category: Complete Meals with Minimal Cleanup

This dish brings together marinated chicken, aromatic herbs, smoked paprika, and fluffy rice for a truly vibrant Mediterranean-inspired meal. Everything cooks together in one pan, blending flavors from olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh zucchini for a bright, rustic touch. The hands-off oven method keeps things easy, while finishing with cool, creamy tzatziki and a sprinkle of fresh herbs delivers balanced, fresh flavor in each bite. Serve with pita bread and lemon for a comforting, nourishing dinner that feels both light and satisfying.

A woman with a smile on her face.
Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:58:19 GMT
A bowl of food with rice, lemon, and other ingredients. Pin
A bowl of food with rice, lemon, and other ingredients. | mellierecipes.com

Dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki and rice is one of my go-to crowd pleasers when I want something both fresh and hearty but need to get dinner on the table with minimal fuss. The juicy marinated chicken, cozy rice, and aromatic herbs all cook together in one dish for super easy clean-up. A generous dollop of creamy tzatziki and plenty of fresh lemon at the table makes this feel special without any extra work.

I started making this after a family vacation where every meal came with a side of cool tzatziki. Now it is my secret shortcut to a sunny Mediterranean vibe even on regular weeknights.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: diced into bite-sized pieces gives plenty of lean protein and turns out tender from the flavorful marinade. Look for fresh chicken with no added solutions for the best texture.
  • Lemon juice: adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken. Freshly squeezed will taste best.
  • Olive oil: brings richness and carries the herb flavors. Use extra virgin for that peppery finish.
  • Fresh parsley oregano and thyme: add earthy herbal notes. Go for fresh or check dried herbs for aroma.
  • Smoked paprika: gives a subtle smokiness that is key to that grilled flavor. Use a Spanish smoked paprika for the best result.
  • Seasoned salt: brings balanced seasoning. A blend like Lawrys ensures a tasty base.
  • Cumin: gives a hint of warmth and earthiness. Pick a fresh ground cumin for best aroma.
  • Onion powder and garlic powder: ensure steady savory flavor in every bite
  • Ground black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne: bring subtle heat and golden color without overwhelming the dish.
  • Long grain white rice: absorbs the flavors beautifully. Choose a higher starch rice for fluffiest results.
  • Medium zucchini: grated into the dish adds moisture and a touch of nutrition. Pick one that feels heavy for its size.
  • Chicken broth: ties everything together and gives the rice loads of flavor. Look for lower sodium if you want more control over seasoning.
  • Tzatziki sauce for serving: adds tang and cools the spices. Grab a thick Greek yogurt base for the best texture.
  • Pita bread and extra fresh herbs: bring the meal together and are perfect for scooping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
Combine diced chicken lemon juice olive oil parsley oregano thyme smoked paprika seasoned salt cumin onion powder garlic powder black pepper turmeric and cayenne directly in a greased nine by thirteen inch baking dish. Mix so every piece is well coated. Let rest for thirty minutes at room temperature to infuse flavor.
Preheat the Oven:
Turn your oven on to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit so it is ready once the chicken finishes marinating.
Mix in Rice and Zucchini:
After marinating add uncooked long grain rice coarsely grated zucchini and chicken broth straight into the dish with the chicken. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients and make sure rice is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
Bake the Casserole:
Cover the dish tightly with foil making certain there are no gaps that could let steam escape. Bake for forty minutes. The tight seal keeps in steam so the rice cooks through and stays moist.
Check and Finish Cooking:
After forty minutes remove the foil and check the rice. It should be tender with most of the liquid absorbed. If it is still firm cover and bake for an extra five to ten minutes. You are looking for tender rice but not mushy.
Fluff and Serve:
When done carefully fluff the rice with a fork instead of stirring with a spoon this keeps the grains light. Season to taste with extra salt and pepper. Spoon onto plates and serve with cold tzatziki sauce fresh herbs wedges of lemon and warm pita.
A bowl of food with rice, chicken, and lemon wedges. Pin
A bowl of food with rice, chicken, and lemon wedges. | mellierecipes.com

Smoked paprika has become one of my pantry essentials thanks to this recipe. The slight smokiness it brings makes even baked chicken feel like it was cooked over open flame. My kids love scooping every last bit with warm pita and I always pack up leftovers for a lunch that brightens the workday.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat spoon portions into a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice fluffy. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel and heat gently until warmed through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try boneless skinless chicken thighs for a more tender richer result if you prefer dark meat. If you are out of zucchini you can sub grated carrots or even a small amount of frozen spinach squeezed dry. While long grain white rice works best stick with it for best results but you can try jasmine rice for a more floral aroma.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this with plenty of extra tzatziki a side of fresh tomato cucumber salad and perhaps a big batch of warm pita or flatbread. Add olives and a sprinkle of feta for the full Mediterranean spread. Fresh chopped dill or mint makes a great finishing herb if you have it on hand.

Cultural Context

Chicken tzatziki captures the spirit of casual Greek and Mediterranean cooking where lemon yogurt and herbs transform simple ingredients. This dish is like a baked version of chicken souvlaki or shawarma bowls with all the comfort of a classic casserole but the bright flavors of the Mediterranean coast.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute brown rice in this dish?

It's best to use uncooked long grain white rice, as brown or wild rice require more liquid and longer bake times, altering texture and doneness.

→ How do I know when the rice is cooked through?

Check if the rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Taste a grain, and if it’s still crunchy, return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes covered.

→ Can I use regular paprika instead of smoked?

Smoked paprika yields a richer, more complex flavor that mimics grilled meats. Sweet paprika is milder and less aromatic, but can be used in a pinch.

→ Why is zucchini included?

Zucchini adds moisture and mild sweetness, balancing the bright herbs and keeping the rice from drying out as it bakes together with the chicken.

→ How should I serve this chicken and rice bake?

Spoon tzatziki over the top, scatter fresh herbs, and offer lemon wedges and warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean-style meal.

→ Can the chicken marinate longer than 30 minutes?

For deeper herb flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the fridge for up to 12 hours before baking. Let it rest at room temperature before baking.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

Tender chicken and herbed rice bake together, finished with fresh zucchini and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
40 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
50 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: One-Pot Meals

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: Mediterranean

Result Amount: 4 Portions

Diet Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Chicken and Marinade

01 450 g boneless skinless chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced into bite-size pieces
02 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
03 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
04 1 tablespoon (4 g) chopped fresh parsley or 0.5 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
05 1 teaspoon (1 g) chopped fresh oregano or 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
06 1 teaspoon (1 g) chopped fresh thyme or 0.25 teaspoon dried thyme
07 1 teaspoon (2 g) smoked paprika
08 0.75 teaspoon (3 g) seasoned salt
09 0.5 teaspoon (1 g) ground cumin
10 0.5 teaspoon (1.5 g) onion powder
11 0.5 teaspoon (1.5 g) garlic powder
12 0.25 teaspoon (0.5 g) ground black pepper
13 0.25 teaspoon (0.5 g) ground turmeric
14 0.125 teaspoon (0.25 g) cayenne pepper

→ Casserole Base

15 1 cup (180 g) uncooked long grain white rice
16 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (approximately 1.5 cups or 180 g grated)
17 480 ml (2 cups) chicken broth

→ For Serving

18 Tzatziki sauce
19 Pita bread
20 Chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, basil, parsley, or chives)
21 Lemon wedges

How to Prepare

Step 01

Lightly grease a 23 x 33 cm baking dish or coat with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 02

In the prepared dish, combine chicken, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne. Toss well to evenly coat. Allow chicken to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Step 03

Preheat oven to 190°C while chicken marinates.

Step 04

Add uncooked rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth to the dish with the marinated chicken. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Step 05

Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, until most liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.

Step 06

If the rice is still firm, re-cover and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes as needed. Test rice for tenderness and ensure most liquid is absorbed. Fluff rice gently with a fork.

Step 07

Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm, topped with tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges, accompanied by pita bread.

Extra Tips

  1. Use only uncooked long grain white rice for optimal results; substitutions may affect texture and cooking time.
  2. Tightly seal the baking dish with foil to retain steam and ensure proper rice absorption.
  3. Smoked paprika is recommended for its robust, savory aroma reminiscent of grilled meats.
  4. Avoid overbaking to prevent rice from becoming excessively soft or mushy.
  5. Fluff rice with a fork rather than stirring, to preserve individual grains and prevent density.

Tools Required

  • Baking dish (23 x 33 cm)
  • Sharp kitchen knife
  • Cutting board
  • Grater
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring jug or cups
  • Fork
  • Aluminium foil

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains gluten if served with pita bread
  • Contains dairy if served with tzatziki sauce

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 384
  • Fat Content: 11 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 41 grams
  • Protein Content: 29 grams