Name: Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488329H39M24S
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs: Bone-in and skin-on for maximum flavor and juiciness.; 1 cup basmati rice: Rinsed to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy rice.; 1 cup Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang to the tzatziki sauce.; 1 medium cucumber: Grated and squeezed to remove excess water, providing freshness.; 2 cloves garlic: Minced for a robust flavor.; 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity to the dish.; 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and adds richness.; 1 tablespoon fresh dill: Chopped for a burst of herbal flavor (or 1 teaspoon dried dill).; Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors in the dish.; 2 cups chicken broth or water: Essential for cooking the rice and keeping the chicken tender.

Description

Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice is a delightful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken thighs with flavorful basmati rice, inspired by the classic Greek tzatziki sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

4 chicken thighs: Bone-in and skin-on for maximum flavor and juiciness.
1 cup basmati rice: Rinsed to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy rice.
1 cup Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang to the tzatziki sauce.
1 medium cucumber: Grated and squeezed to remove excess water, providing freshness.
2 cloves garlic: Minced for a robust flavor.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity to the dish.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and adds richness.
1 tablespoon fresh dill: Chopped for a burst of herbal flavor (or 1 teaspoon dried dill).
Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
2 cups chicken broth or water: Essential for cooking the rice and keeping the chicken tender.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill to make the tzatziki sauce.
Spread the rinsed basmati rice in a large baking dish, place the seasoned chicken on top, and pour the tzatziki sauce over the chicken.
Pour chicken broth or water around the edges, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 45-50 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is browned and the rice is cooked.
Let it rest for a few minutes, then serve warm with reserved tzatziki sauce.

Notes

Marinate chicken in tzatziki sauce for enhanced flavor.
Add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Check rice for doneness and add more liquid if needed.
Uncover during the last 10-15 minutes for crispy skin.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Dump and Bake, Chicken, Tzatziki, Rice, Greek, One-Pan Meal