Description
This Chicken Tzatziki Bake Surprise is a comforting one-dish meal perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs baked atop flavorful seasoned rice soak in savory chicken broth and olive oil, then are topped with refreshing tzatziki sauce, fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon to create a bright and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice
- 1½ lbs chicken thighs
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- Fresh dill, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the rice and chicken don’t stick during baking.
- Mix Rice and Broth: In the prepared baking dish, combine the long grain rice, chicken broth, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the rice is evenly coated and seasoned.
- Arrange Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Nestle them evenly into the rice mixture in the dish, making sure the pieces are spaced out for even cooking. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture.
- Bake: Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Add Toppings: Remove the foil carefully and discard it. Spoon the tzatziki sauce over each chicken thigh. Garnish with fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice to add brightness and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the dish hot directly from the baking dish and enjoy this delicious, comforting Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skinless chicken thighs will yield the best flavor and moistness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried oregano or paprika to the rice mixture.
- Tzatziki can be store-bought or homemade; fresh tzatziki will elevate the dish.
- If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts can be substituted, though cooking time may vary slightly.
- Make sure to cover the baking dish tightly with foil to keep the rice moist during baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
