Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki (Printable Version)

A one-pan meal where spiced chicken and rice bake together, topped with creamy tzatziki and fresh herbs.

# Ingredients:

→ Protein

01 - 450 grams boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, evenly sized

→ Rice and Vegetables

02 - 200 grams long grain white rice, rinsed and drained
03 - 100 grams grated zucchini

→ Marinade

04 - 30 ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
05 - 30 ml extra virgin olive oil
06 - 5 grams dried oregano
07 - 3 grams ground cumin
08 - 3 grams smoked paprika
09 - 2 grams garlic powder
10 - Pinch of salt

→ Broth

11 - 500 ml warm vegetable or chicken broth, lightly salted

→ Tzatziki Sauce and Garnish

12 - 125 grams tzatziki sauce, chilled
13 - 10 grams fresh parsley, chopped

# Steps:

01 - Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt until well combined. Coat the chicken pieces evenly with the marinade and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
02 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs almost clear. Drain thoroughly using a fine-mesh strainer and spread the rice evenly across the base of a baking dish. Scatter the grated zucchini evenly over the rice.
03 - Pour the warm broth carefully around the edges of the rice, ensuring it submerges the rice completely. Use a spoon to make shallow wells for the chicken pieces on top of the rice.
04 - Position an oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to 175°C. Place the marinated chicken pieces in the wells over the rice, spacing them evenly. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken. Cover the dish tightly with a double layer of foil, sealing the edges completely. Place the baking dish on a baking sheet for stability and bake for 35 minutes.
05 - Carefully check the internal temperature of the chicken to confirm it has reached 74°C. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Serve portions topped with dollops of chilled tzatziki and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

# Notes:

01 - Ensure the foil is sealed tightly to retain steam and achieve perfectly cooked rice and chicken. Letting the dish rest allows the rice to finish cooking and flavors to meld.
02 - Warm the broth slightly before adding to reduce overall cooking time.
03 - Allow tzatziki to come to room temperature before serving for enhanced flavor.

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