Description
Chicken Tzatziki Bake Surprise is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal featuring tender baked chicken thighs nestled on a bed of savory garlic-infused rice. Topped with cool, creamy tzatziki sauce and garnished with fresh dill and lemon, this recipe offers a delightful Greek-inspired twist that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1½ lbs chicken thighs
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Toppings and 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 grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for the bake.
- Prepare the Rice Mixture: In the greased baking dish, combine the rice, chicken broth, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Season and Add Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Arrange the chicken evenly on top of the rice mixture, nestling each piece gently into the rice for even cooking.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is thoroughly done.
- Add Tzatziki and Garnish: Once baked, remove the foil and spoon the tzatziki sauce over each chicken thigh. Garnish with freshly chopped dill and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Tzatziki Bake hot, directly from the dish, and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for best flavor and moisture.
- If you prefer less tang, start with a smaller amount of tzatziki and add more to taste.
- Long grain rice works best for this recipe to avoid stickiness; rinse the rice before using for ideal texture.
- Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days refrigerated and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- For a low sodium version, use low sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt.
