Description
A delicious and comforting one-dish meal featuring tender baked chicken thighs nestled over flavorful seasoned rice, topped with creamy tzatziki sauce and fresh dill. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner packed with Mediterranean flair.
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 & Garnish
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- Fresh dill, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the rice mixture: In the greased baking dish, combine the long grain rice, chicken broth, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Season and arrange the chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Nestle them evenly spaced into the rice mixture, ensuring each piece is partially submerged.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add toppings and garnish: Carefully remove the foil and spoon the tzatziki sauce over the baked chicken. Garnish with fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Serve: Serve the bake hot, spooning the rice and chicken onto plates with plenty of the creamy tzatziki topping. Enjoy your flavorful, comforting meal!
Notes
- Use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for best flavor and moisture, but boneless thighs can be used as a quicker-cooking alternative.
- Tzatziki sauce can be store-bought or homemade according to your preference.
- If you like, add some chopped cucumber or grated carrot to the rice mixture for extra texture.
- Make sure to cover tightly with foil to allow the rice to steam properly during baking.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
