If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner, look no further than this One-Pan Chicken Tzatziki Rice. With tender, golden-brown chicken, fluffy rice cooked in aromatic chicken broth, and a creamy, tangy homemade tzatziki sauce, this dish brings the bright flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. Plus, it’s all made in one pan, which means minimal cleanup — perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, this recipe hits all the right notes: savory, tangy, comforting, and fresh. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe special.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice:
- 2 large chicken breasts, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed of excess water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
- Extra drizzle of tzatziki

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
Sear the Chicken:
In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Add Rice and Broth:
Stir in the rice, coating it lightly with the oil and aromatics. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Return Chicken to the Pan:
Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Prepare Tzatziki Sauce:
While the rice and chicken cook, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Finish and Serve:
Once the rice is tender, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Serve the chicken and rice on plates, generously topped with tzatziki sauce, a sprinkle of parsley, and lemon wedges on the side.

Tips for Perfect One-Pan Chicken Tzatziki Rice

Rice Texture: Use long-grain rice for fluffier results. Rinse before cooking to remove excess starch.
Even Cooking: Make sure chicken pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
Tzatziki Flavor Boost: Let the sauce chill for at least 15 minutes to meld flavors.
Pan Choice: A heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan helps distribute heat evenly, preventing rice from sticking or burning.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for roasted chickpeas or sautéed halloumi for a plant-based twist.
Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning for a mild heat.
Herb Swap: Fresh mint in the tzatziki can give a refreshing, garden-fresh flavor.
Brown Rice: For a whole-grain version, use brown rice and increase cooking time to 35–40 minutes, adding more broth as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a Greek salad and warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.
A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy tzatziki and golden chicken perfectly.
Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or a covered skillet, with a little extra broth to prevent drying.

Fun Facts and Cultural Context

Tzatziki is a staple in Greek cuisine, made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs, often served as a dip or sauce for meats and vegetables.
One-pan meals like this reflect modern weeknight cooking trends: efficiency, minimal cleanup, and big flavors.
Mediterranean diets, which feature Greek yogurt and olive oil, are known for their health benefits, including heart health and anti-inflammatory properties.

This One-Pan Chicken Tzatziki Rice combines traditional Mediterranean flavors with modern convenience, making it a recipe that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.