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In the fast-paced world of cooking, where time is often a luxury, the concept of a Dump-and-Bake recipe shines like a culinary beacon. These recipes not only save time but also deliver delicious results with minimal effort. Enter the mouthwatering Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice—a dish that perfectly marries Mediterranean flavors with the ease of preparation that busy weeknights demand. This recipe allows you to enjoy the taste of fresh, vibrant ingredients without the hassle of a complicated cooking process.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

Make mealtime a breeze with this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice! This delicious recipe combines juicy chicken thighs, fragrant rice, and fresh cherry tomatoes baked to perfection. Top it off with a zesty homemade tzatziki sauce made from creamy Greek yogurt and crisp cucumber for a burst of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with Mediterranean goodness. Enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal with minimal effort!

Ingredients
  

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup long-grain rice

1 cup chicken broth

1 medium cucumber, diced

1 cup Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, juiced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Feta cheese, for topping (optional)

Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Prepare the Rice: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom. Pour the chicken broth over the rice, ensuring it’s evenly covered.

      Season the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken thighs in this mixture to ensure they are well-seasoned.

        Arrange the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice in the baking dish, ensuring they are spread out evenly.

          Add Tomatoes: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken pieces in the dish.

            Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

              Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the dish is baking, mix the diced cucumber, Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until well combined and set aside in the fridge to chill.

                Serve: Once the chicken is done baking, take it out of the oven. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve the chicken and rice on plates, top them with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, and sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Servings: 4