Too hot to spend all night in the kitchen? This Chicken Tzatziki Rice is the refreshing summer dinner you need. It brings the bright flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. You can prep it in just ten minutes tonight.
You want a meal that feels light and fresh. You also need it to be very filling. This recipe delivers exactly that for your family. It is the perfect healthy reset after a busy day. Your kitchen will stay cool and your belly full.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dish is a winner because it uses only one pan. You just dump the ingredients and bake it. No pre-searing or boiling is required at all. This saves you so much time on busy weeknights. Cleanup is a total breeze for you too.
The flavors are incredibly fresh and vibrant for summer. The warm rice pairs perfectly with cool tzatziki. It is a high-protein meal that everyone loves. Even picky eaters will enjoy the creamy feta. It makes healthy eating feel like a treat.
Simple Method
The method is simple and very beginner-friendly. Even if you rarely cook, you can do this. You simply combine the base ingredients in a dish. The oven does all the hard work for you. Cooking feels easy and totally stress-free today.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely in your pantry now. Use fresh herbs for the best summer flavor. Fresh dill is the secret to that classic Mediterranean taste.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 0.5 cup cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.25 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add the cubed chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper directly into the baking dish and stir to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent steam from escaping.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While the dish bakes, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, and half of the fresh dill in a small bowl to prepare the tzatziki sauce.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Remove foil, fluff the rice with a fork, and top with dollops of tzatziki sauce, crumbled feta cheese, diced red onion, and the remaining fresh dill.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this dish warm right from the pan. Add a big squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This brightens all the savory flavors instantly. It looks beautiful on a bright summer dinner table. Your family will love the colorful presentation.
Pair it with a simple cucumber salad. Some warm pita bread is also a great addition. Set the table and enjoy a calm meal. It feels like a restaurant-quality dinner at home. It is perfect for a quiet date night.
Keep It Fresh
This meal stores beautifully for several days. Keep the rice and chicken in an airtight container. Store the tzatziki sauce in a separate small jar. This keeps the sauce cool and creamy for later use. It prevents the rice from getting soggy.
Reheat the rice in the microwave or oven. Add the fresh toppings only after heating. It makes a fantastic meal prep lunch for work. It stays fresh for up to four days. You will look forward to lunch every day.
Tips for Best Results
- Squeeze the grated cucumber very dry before mixing.
- Use a very tight seal with the aluminum foil.
- Let the dish rest before you fluff the rice.
- Use long-grain white rice for the best fluffy texture.
- Fresh dill makes a huge flavor difference here.
- Don’t skip the red onion for a nice crunch.
- Cut chicken into even cubes for consistent cooking.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken for safety.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Add cherry tomatoes before baking for extra juice.
- Swap chicken for shrimp but reduce the baking time.
- Use brown rice but add more broth and time.
- Stir in fresh baby spinach at the very end.
- Add kalamata olives for a salty, Mediterranean punch.
Common Questions
Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, you can use brown rice for this. It will need about 15 minutes more time. You should also add a splash more broth. This keeps the dish moist and tender.
Is this recipe freezer friendly?
The chicken and rice base freezes very well. Do not freeze the fresh tzatziki or toppings. Add those fresh after you thaw and reheat. This ensures the best flavor and texture.
I hope this meal brings peace to your evening. It is fresh, filling, and so simple to make. Enjoy every bite of this Chicken Tzatziki Rice.
— Katie Wood
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup long -grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups low -sodium chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon sal t
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 0.5 cup cucumber , grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.25 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Add the cubed chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper directly into the baking dish and stir to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent steam from escaping.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While the dish bakes, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, and half of the fresh dill in a small bowl to prepare the tzatziki sauce.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Remove foil, fluff the rice with a fork, and top with dollops of tzatziki sauce, crumbled feta cheese, diced red onion, and the remaining fresh dill.
