One-Pan Chicken Tzatziki Rice

Craving a simple yet flavorful dinner that’s all made in one pan? This One-Pan Chicken Tzatziki Rice delivers juicy, golden-browned chicken over a bed of perfectly cooked, fluffy rice, finished with a refreshing tzatziki sauce that brings a creamy, tangy Mediterranean flavor to every bite. Quick, satisfying, and visually impressive, it’s a weeknight dinner winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup while still delivering maximum flavor.
• Mediterranean Flavors: Juicy chicken, fresh herbs, cucumber, lemon, and creamy tzatziki combine to make a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Family-Friendly: Mildly seasoned yet bursting with flavor, perfect for adults and kids alike.
• Balanced Meal: Protein-packed chicken with healthy fats from olive oil and refreshing cucumber, paired with wholesome rice.

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Ingredients

Chicken & Rice:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and excess water squeezed out
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh dill sprigs
• Lemon wedges
• Extra cherry tomatoes

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Instructions

1. Prep Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry, then season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
4. Add Rice & Liquid: Stir in rinsed rice to coat in oil and aromatics. Pour in chicken broth, season with additional salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer.
5. Cook Rice & Chicken Together: Return chicken to the skillet, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
6. Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: While rice cooks, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well.
7. Finish the Dish: Once rice is cooked, gently fluff it with a fork. Top with cherry tomatoes, spoon tzatziki sauce over chicken, and garnish with fresh dill or lemon wedges.
8. Serve: Serve hot as a main course. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

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Tips for the Perfect One-Pan Chicken Tzatziki Rice

• Rinse Rice: Rinsing basmati rice removes excess starch, preventing clumping and making the rice fluffy.
• Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Squeeze Cucumber: Removing excess water from cucumber prevents tzatziki from becoming watery.
• Adjust Creaminess: Add a splash of water or olive oil to tzatziki if you prefer a thinner sauce.

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Variations You Can Try

1. Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to chicken seasoning or tzatziki.
2. Veggie Boost: Include bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the skillet for extra nutrients.
3. Quinoa Version: Swap rice with quinoa for a protein-rich alternative.
4. Grilled Chicken Option: Grill chicken pieces separately for a smoky flavor and fold into rice at the end.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp Greek salad for a full Mediterranean feast.
• Serve alongside warm pita bread or flatbread for scooping.
• Drizzle extra tzatziki on top for a restaurant-style presentation.

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Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Tzatziki is a classic Greek condiment made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. Traditionally served with grilled meats or as a dip, it’s known for its cooling effect, which perfectly balances savory or spicy dishes. One-pan meals like this are a modern twist, combining Greek flavors with easy cooking techniques suited for busy lifestyles.

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Meal Prep Tips

• Cook rice and chicken fully, then store separately from tzatziki to maintain freshness.
• Tzatziki can be made a day in advance; the flavors intensify over time.
• Reheat chicken and rice gently on low heat with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.

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Nutritional Benefits

• Chicken: High in lean protein and essential amino acids.
• Greek Yogurt: Provides protein, probiotics, and calcium.
• Olive Oil: Healthy monounsaturated fats supporting heart health.
• Cucumber & Herbs: Adds antioxidants, fiber, and refreshing flavor.