Easy Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

The cool, creamy tang of tzatziki perfectly complements tender, juicy chicken in this refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish. Easy Chicken Tzatziki with Rice combines succulent marinated chicken with fluffy rice and a homemade cucumber yogurt sauce that’s both vibrant and satisfying. The contrasting temperatures and textures create a meal that’s as delightful to eat as it is simple to prepare. You’ll learn how to create this balanced, flavorful dish that brings restaurant-quality Greek flavors right to your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is a perfect weeknight dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The marinated chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, infused with lemon, garlic, and herbs that transport you straight to the Mediterranean. The cooling tzatziki sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, seasoned chicken and rice, creating a perfect balance of temperatures and textures in every bite.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. The tzatziki sauce can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to develop even further. The components work beautifully together but can also be repurposed for other meals throughout the week. Plus, this recipe offers a healthier alternative to takeout, featuring lean protein, whole grains, and yogurt-based sauce rather than heavy creams or butter.

Perhaps most importantly, this chicken and tzatziki meal comes together in under 45 minutes, making it accessible even on busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 2 cups (480g) Greek yogurt (full-fat works best)
• 1 English cucumber, grated and drained
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Rice:

• 2 cups (400g) long-grain white rice
• 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon (15g) butter
• ½ teaspoon salt

For Serving:

• Lemon wedges
• Fresh dill or mint sprigs
• Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• Sliced red onion (optional)

Pro Tips

Master the Tzatziki: The key to perfect tzatziki is properly draining the cucumber. After grating, place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This prevents your sauce from becoming watery and ensures that creamy, thick consistency that makes authentic tzatziki so delicious. For the best flavor development, prepare the tzatziki at least 30 minutes before serving—or even better, make it the day before.

Perfect Chicken Texture: To achieve juicy, tender chicken every time, avoid overcooking. The cubed chicken breast only needs about 3-4 minutes per side in a hot pan. Look for a golden-brown exterior while maintaining moisture inside. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat before serving with your Mediterranean chicken and tzatziki.

Rice Perfection: For fluffy, separate grains of rice, rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch. After cooking, let the rice rest covered for 5-10 minutes off the heat, then fluff with a fork rather than stirring with a spoon. This simple technique prevents the rice from becoming gummy and creates the perfect base for your chicken and tzatziki sauce.

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours if you have time. The longer marination will infuse more flavor into your Easy Chicken Tzatziki with Rice.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
Grate the cucumber and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. In a medium bowl, combine the drained cucumber with Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, mint (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld.

Step 3: Cook the Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the butter, salt, and rinsed rice. Stir once, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a clean plate.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Divide the fluffy rice among serving plates. Top with the cooked chicken pieces. Spoon generous amounts of tzatziki sauce over the chicken. Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion if desired. Serve your chicken tzatziki bowl immediately while the chicken is still warm and the tzatziki is cool for the perfect temperature contrast.

Variations

Mediterranean Bowl Style: Transform this Easy Chicken Tzatziki with Rice into a vibrant bowl by adding a variety of colorful vegetables. Layer the rice with the chicken and tzatziki, then add roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, diced cucumbers, and a drizzle of extra olive oil. This creates a complete meal with additional textures and Mediterranean flavors that complement the original recipe beautifully.

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi cheese for a satisfying vegetarian alternative. Toss chickpeas with the same marinade ingredients and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy. The tzatziki sauce pairs wonderfully with these protein alternatives while maintaining the essence of the Mediterranean flavor profile.

Grain Alternatives: For a lower-carb version, substitute the white rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa. Cauliflower rice provides a lighter option that soaks up the tzatziki sauce beautifully, while quinoa adds a protein boost and nutty flavor that complements the chicken and sauce. Both alternatives maintain the dish’s integrity while accommodating different dietary preferences.

Storage and Serving

Store the components of your Easy Chicken Tzatziki with Rice separately for best results. The tzatziki sauce will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though it’s best consumed within 48 hours for optimal freshness. The cooked chicken can be refrigerated for 3-4 days, and the rice will stay fresh for up to 5 days when properly stored.

For reheating, warm the chicken and rice gently in a microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Always add the cold tzatziki sauce after reheating the other components to preserve the temperature contrast that makes this dish special.

For an impressive presentation, serve this meal family-style on a large platter. Arrange the rice as the base, top with the chicken, and serve the tzatziki in a separate bowl so guests can add as much as they like. Complete the spread with warm pita bread, a Greek salad, and extra lemon wedges for a complete Mediterranean feast that’s perfect for entertaining.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in even juicier meat. They may require an additional 1-2 minutes of cooking time per side due to their higher fat content.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative such as coconut yogurt. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious. Add a squeeze of extra lemon juice to mimic the tanginess of traditional tzatziki.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Easy Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is perfect for meal prep. Prepare all components separately and store in the refrigerator. Assemble just before eating for the best texture and temperature contrast.

What’s the best way to ensure my tzatziki isn’t watery?
The key is thoroughly draining the cucumber. After grating, salt the cucumber lightly and let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out the moisture. Using full-fat Greek yogurt also helps achieve that thick, creamy consistency.

Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
While the chicken and rice freeze well separately, tzatziki sauce does not freeze well as it tends to separate and become watery when thawed. It’s best to make fresh tzatziki when serving previously frozen chicken and rice.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is comfort food at its finest — refreshing yet satisfying, with the perfect balance of bright, tangy flavors and hearty elements. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a mini Mediterranean getaway, bringing the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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