Creamy, herby Greek comfort
This easy baked chicken tzatziki rice is the kind of no-fuss dinner busy nights call for. Tender baked chicken, fluffy rice, and cool, garlicky tzatziki come together in one cozy, flavor-packed dish inspired by classic Greek flavors. Everything bakes in the oven with minimal prep, making it perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family without extra stress. The lemony herbs keep it fresh, while the creamy tzatziki adds just the right amount of indulgence. If you love simple oven meals that feel both comforting and bright, this one’s a must-save.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients List
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Tzatziki Layer
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh dill or parsley
- Crumbled feta cheese
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Aluminum foil
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish.
- Build the base: Spread rinsed rice evenly in the dish. Pour in chicken broth and gently stir.
- Season the chicken: Toss chicken with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Assemble: Nestle chicken pieces into the rice. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is mostly cooked ⏱️
- Add tzatziki: Remove foil, spoon tzatziki evenly over the chicken, and return uncovered to the oven.
- Finish baking: Bake another 10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and creamy on top ✨
- Rest & serve: Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs and veggies before serving 🍋
💡 Pro Tips
- Extra flavor: Add lemon zest to the rice before baking.
- Meal prep friendly: Stores well for up to 4 days in airtight containers.
- Brown rice swap: Use 2½ cups broth and bake covered for 50 minutes before adding tzatziki.
- Crispy top: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for light browning.