Simple Baked Chicken Tzatziki

This easy chicken tzatziki bake is perfect when you're slammed and need a filling meal that’s full of flavor with hardly any hassle. It mixes tender chicken, soft rice, and tangy tzatziki sauce in one dish that’s baked all at once, so you don’t have to stir, making cleaning up a breeze.

I put this together on a busy night and it quickly became a family favorite comfort meal. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but is super simple to make.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice: forms a soft, fluffy base, pick a fresh pack for best results
• 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth: gives moisture and flavor without being too strong, homemade or store-bought both work
• 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: cut into chunks to cook evenly and fast, go for fresh and firm chicken if you can
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: adds cozy savory flavor, make sure it smells fresh
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: quietly boosts the background taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: brings a classic Mediterranean herb flavor, choose nice green leaves for freshness
• ½ teaspoon paprika: offers light smokiness and sweet warmth
• 1 cup tzatziki sauce: creamy and tangy, helps keep chicken moist, store-bought is fine but homemade is extra tasty
• 1 medium cucumber thinly sliced for topping: adds crunch and a refreshing bite
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: gives salty creaminess to finish the dish
• ½ cup fresh parsley or dill chopped: brightens flavors, better fresh than dried here

Steps

Heat the Oven:

Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch dish so nothing sticks and it's easy to clean.

Layer the Rice:

Evenly spread the uncooked rice on the bottom of the dish. Pour in the chicken broth making sure the rice is covered so it cooks well and soaks up the liquid.

Add Chicken Pieces:

Place the chicken chunks evenly over the rice. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika all over the chicken for those tasty Mediterranean notes.

Spread Tzatziki:

Carefully spoon the tzatziki sauce over the chicken, spreading it with the back of your spoon so every piece gets coated. This keeps the chicken moist and adds creaminess.

Bake it Up:

Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 35-40 minutes until chicken is done and rice is tender and fluffy. If you see liquid left, take off the foil and bake 5-10 minutes longer so it soaks in.

Finish with Toppings:

Take the dish out of the oven and let it rest about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier. Sprinkle feta, chopped parsley or dill on top and arrange cucumber slices for a fresh crunch.

Serve it Warm:

Dish it up right away while warm and enjoy the creamy texture and bright flavors in every bite.

The tzatziki sauce is my favorite part because it turns simple baked chicken and rice into something fresh and lively. I made this for a friend new to Mediterranean food and seeing her smile was the best compliment.

Storing Tips

Put leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to four days. Heat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a bit of water if the rice seems dry. This dish tastes just as good reheated, making it awesome for quick meals later on.

Swapping Ingredients

For richer flavor, swap chicken breasts for bone-in skin-on thighs but bake 10 minutes longer. You can use chickpeas or cannellini beans instead of chicken if you want a veggie version that still feels Mediterranean. If you’re out of tzatziki, mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice and garlic for a quick alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This goes great with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon to balance the creamy richness. Warm pita bread or grilled veggies are perfect sides to complete the meal.

This dish shows how plain ingredients can turn into something that feels homemade and cozy without spending hours cooking. It’s my go-to when I want to wow with minimal fuss.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ Can I swap chicken breasts for bone-in pieces?

Definitely, bone-in skin-on thighs bring extra flavor and keep things juicy. Just watch the cooking time so they’re done right.

→ What could I use instead of tzatziki sauce?

Try mixing Greek yogurt with cucumber, lemon juice, and garlic to whip up a fresh substitute, or use any creamy herb sauce to keep it moist.

→ Is there a way to make this without meat?

For a meat-free take, swap the chicken with chickpeas or beans. You’ll keep a hearty texture and plenty of protein.

→ How can I keep the rice from drying out?

Make sure the rice is covered by the broth and seal the dish with foil while baking to trap steam and keep it soft.

→ Can I make this meal ahead and reheat?

Sure thing! Put it together, cover it, chill overnight, then bake straight from the fridge adding a bit more time to cook through.