Name: Baked Greek Chicken with Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2.5 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 2.5 tbsp olive oil (preferably Bertolli Extra Virgin); 1.5 tbsp parsley; 1.25 tsp oregano; 1.25 tsp thyme; 1.25 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp seasoned salt (Lawry’s recommended); 0.75 tsp cumin; 0.75 tsp onion powder; 0.75 tsp garlic powder; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 0.5 tsp turmeric; 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper; 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 lb chicken (cut into 1-inch chunks); 1 cup rice (Mahatma long-grain white rice); 1 zucchini (diced into 1/2-inch pieces); 2 cups chicken broth

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How to make Baked Greek Chicken with Rice

Ingredients

2.5 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed for the best acidity)
2.5 tbsp olive oil (I prefer Bertolli Extra Virgin for roasting)
1.5 tbsp parsley
1.25 tsp oregano
1.25 tsp thyme
1.25 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp seasoned salt (I always use Lawry’s for this recipe)
0.75 tsp cumin
0.75 tsp onion powder
0.75 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp black pepper
0.5 tsp turmeric
0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
1 lb chicken (cut into 1-inch chunks for even cooking)
1 cup rice (I use Mahatma long-grain white rice)
1 zucchini (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
2 cups chicken broth (Swanston brand gives it the most richness)

Directions

Start by whisking together all the dried spices, herbs, and seasoning salt in a small bowl. This blend includes oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. The purpose of this mix is to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the dish.
While you prepare the ingredients, cut the chicken into 1-inch chunks to ensure they cook evenly. Dice the zucchini into ½-inch pieces. Don’t forget to squeeze your lemon juice fresh, as this adds a bright flavor to the dish that bottled juice lacks.
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (or a similarly sized one). Add the chicken chunks to the dish, sprinkle them with the spice blend prepared in Step 1, and mix in the parsley. Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated.
Let the mixed chicken marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step allows the chicken to absorb all those wonderful flavors and keeps it more tender during cooking.
While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 375°F. After the marination period, add the uncooked rice, diced zucchini, and chicken broth directly to the baking dish with the marinated chicken. Make sure you stir everything together thoroughly so the rice gets submerged and the vegetables are distributed evenly.
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. This traps steam and prevents the rice from drying out while baking.
Bake for 45-50 minutes if you’re using a metal baking pan, or 50-60 minutes if it’s a glass baking dish (glass takes longer due to different heat conduction). The rice should be tender, and you will know it’s done when the liquid is mostly absorbed, and a fork can easily pierce the chicken.
Carefully remove the foil to avoid steam burns. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and release any extra moisture. Let the dish rest uncovered for 2-3 minutes. You can serve it straight from the baking dish or transfer it to a platter, garnishing with fresh herbs and lemon wedges if you like.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Greek Chicken with Rice

Baked Greek Chicken with Rice is a delightful dish that offers a flavor-packed meal without too much fuss. The combination of spices creates a deliciously aromatic experience that will have everyone at your table asking for more. Plus, it’s all made in one dish, which simplifies clean-up! This is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious. Here are some of the benefits:

Chicken: A great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall body repair.
Zucchini: Low in calories and high in vitamins, zucchini provides fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
Rice: Provides carbohydrates for energy; using whole grain options can add more fiber.
Spices: Many spices used in this recipe have anti-inflammatory properties and can aid digestion.

What to Serve With Baked Greek Chicken with Rice

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple salad. A Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese complements the flavors of the chicken perfectly. You could also serve steamed or roasted vegetables for additional color and nutrition.

How to Store Baked Greek Chicken with Rice

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for about 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist.

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Tip: Make sure your chicken chunks are uniform in size for even cooking.
Tip: Don’t skip marinating the chicken, as this enhances the flavor significantly.
Mistake: Avoid lifting the foil during cooking to check the rice too early. This lets steam escape and may result in undercooked rice.
Mistake: Overcrowding the baking dish can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended dish size for best results.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe. You can add different vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or spinach, depending on your taste. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. You can also switch up the spices according to your flavor preferences.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but cooking times will differ. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and takes longer to cook. Adjust your broth accordingly or pre-cook the brown rice partially before adding it to the baking dish.

2. Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and combine all the ingredients in the baking dish, then cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Can I use different proteins?
Yes, you can replace chicken with other proteins like shrimp or fish. Cooking times will vary based on the protein used, so monitor closely to avoid overcooking.

This Baked Greek Chicken with Rice offers a vibrant, flavorful meal that is easy to make and even easier to love! Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful dish with family and friends.