One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken Rice

This one-pan Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice has become my weeknight lifesaver, bringing Mediterranean magic to our dinner table with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic rice, and fresh tzatziki creates a restaurant-worthy meal that comes together primarily in the oven.

I first made this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something that would cook itself while I helped with homework. The kids actually cheered when they saw it coming out of the oven, and it's now in our regular rotation.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Diced into bitesize pieces. Choose thighs for more moisture and flavor or breasts for leaner option
• 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: Must be long grain variety for proper cooking
• 1 medium zucchini: Coarsely grated. Adds moisture and sneaks in vegetables
• 2 cups chicken broth: Provides flavor and cooking liquid for the rice
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens flavors and helps tenderize chicken
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Creates moisture and helps spices distribute evenly
• Fresh herbs: Parsley, oregano, and thyme. Dried can substitute but fresh provides superior flavor
• Spice blend: Including smoked paprika, cumin, and turmeric. Creates depth without making the dish spicy
• Tzatziki sauce: For serving. The cool, creamy finish that brings everything together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Thoroughly grease a 9x13inch baking dish or use nonstick spray ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking. This simple step saves cleanup headaches later.

Marinate the Chicken:

Place diced chicken directly in the prepared baking dish then add lemon juice, olive oil, and all herbs and spices. Mix thoroughly ensuring each piece is coated. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while oven preheats to 375°F. This brief marination significantly improves flavor.

Combine All Ingredients:

Add the uncooked rice, grated zucchini, and chicken broth to the dish with marinated chicken. Stir everything together thoroughly ensuring rice is evenly distributed and submerged in liquid. The proper distribution here ensures even cooking.

Bake Covered:

Cover the dish tightly with foil pressing it along the edges to create a seal. This traps steam which is essential for properly cooking the rice. Bake for 40 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed. If rice still seems firm, bake for additional 5-10 minutes.

Serve with Accompaniments:

Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, mixing everything together. Serve generous portions topped with tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

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The smoked paprika in this recipe is absolutely transformative. I once tried making it with regular paprika in a pinch, and while still good, it lacked that distinctive chargrilled flavor that makes this dish reminiscent of authentic Greek street food. That smoky depth is what makes everyone ask for the recipe.

Make-Ahead Tips

This dish shines as a meal prep solution. You can prepare it up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply remove from refrigerator while preheating oven, replace plastic wrap with foil, and extend baking time by about 10 minutes. The flavors actually develop beautifully with this method.

Smart Substitutions

While this recipe specifies certain ingredients, flexibility is one of its strengths. Quinoa can replace rice with a reduction in liquid to 1¾ cups. Bell peppers work wonderfully in place of or alongside zucchini. For a dairy-free version, use a coconut yogurt-based tzatziki alternative. Any mild white fish can substitute for chicken, but reduce the cooking time by 10-15 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this dish into a complete Mediterranean feast by serving alongside a simple Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and feta. Warm pita bread is essential for soaking up the flavorful sauce. For a more casual approach, stuff everything into pita pockets with extra tzatziki for delicious handheld meals. A side of roasted lemon garlic broccoli adds color and nutrition.

Storage and Reheating

This dish maintains excellent quality when stored properly. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For best reheating results, add a tablespoon of water or broth before microwaving at 70% power, stirring halfway through. The flavors often intensify overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to. I recommend making a fresh batch of tzatziki for serving with leftovers rather than storing it mixed with the rice.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

No, this dish specifically requires long grain white rice. Brown rice would need different liquid ratios and longer cooking times, which would affect the overall outcome of the dish.

→ How important is the smoked paprika in this dish?

Smoked paprika is crucial for achieving an authentic charred flavor similar to grilled souvlaki. Regular paprika won't provide the same depth of flavor, so it's worth using smoked specifically.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance in the refrigerator. You could also assemble the entire dish up to the baking step, refrigerate, then allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

→ What can I substitute for zucchini?

You could substitute grated summer squash, finely chopped bell peppers, or even spinach (though you'd want to reduce the quantity). Each alternative will change the flavor profile slightly.

→ Is homemade tzatziki sauce better than store-bought?

Homemade tzatziki typically offers fresher flavor, but a good quality store-bought version works well for convenience. If using store-bought, look for one with minimal additives and preservatives for the best taste.

→ How spicy is this dish with the cayenne pepper?

With just ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, this dish has only mild heat. You can adjust by omitting the cayenne entirely for no spice or increasing it slightly for more kick.