Description
Mediterranean-inspired dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki with rice brings Greek comfort to weeknight dinners. Quick preparation and minimal cleanup make this dish a delightful choice for busy home cooks who crave bold Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lb (1.5 pounds) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 cups (710 ml) chicken broth (or water)
- 1.5 cups (285 g) uncooked long-grain white rice (or basmati)
- ½ cup (120 ml) crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup (75 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup (40 g) red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (5 g) dried oregano
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) garlic powder
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) onion powder
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) dried oregano
- ¼ tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
- Base Creation: Blend uncooked rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano in the baking dish, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Protein Placement: Arrange chicken breasts uniformly over the seasoned rice mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Moisture Layer: Spread tzatziki sauce comprehensively across the chicken, creating a rich and tangy protective coating.
- Sealing and Initial Cooking: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and chicken to cook partially.
- Final Baking: Uncover the dish and continue baking for 10 additional minutes until rice becomes fluffy and chicken reaches 165F (75C) internal temperature.
- Resting and Finishing: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices, then garnish with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and fresh herbs.
- Serving: Plate the dish warm, accompanied by lemon wedges to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
Notes
- Prevent Rice Sticking: Stir rice mixture thoroughly and use cooking spray to ensure smooth, non-clumpy texture and easy serving.
- Control Moisture Levels: Cover dish tightly with foil during initial baking to trap steam, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, tender rice and juicy chicken.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165F for food safety without overcooking, maintaining optimal tenderness.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian version; use cauliflower rice for low-carb adaptation; select gluten-free broth for sensitive diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg