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In the fast-paced world we live in, time is a luxury that many of us cannot afford, especially when it comes to preparing dinner after a long day. Enter the concept of dump-and-bake recipes—a culinary trend that has transformed the way we approach weeknight meals. The beauty of these recipes lies in their simplicity; you can toss all your ingredients into a baking dish, slide it into the oven, and let it do all the work while you kick back and relax.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

Discover a delicious and easy meal with this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice recipe! Simply season the chicken thighs or breasts, layer them over fluffy basmati rice, and let the oven do the work. Serve with a creamy tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and dill. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken and aromatic rice for a satisfying dinner that’s ready in just under an hour. Enjoy a taste of Mediterranean goodness!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

1 cup uncooked basmati rice

1 3/4 cups chicken broth

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 medium cucumber, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried dill

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

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

    Prepare the Rice Base: In a large, deep baking dish, add the uncooked basmati rice. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the rice is evenly spread out.

      Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Coat the chicken pieces with the mixture, ensuring they are evenly seasoned.

        Assemble the Dish: Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

          Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook and the rice to absorb flavors.

            Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken and rice are baking, prepare the tzatziki by mixing together the Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, lemon juice, dried dill, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir well until fully combined and set aside.

              Finish Baking: After 30 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender and fluffy.

                Serve: Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and serve the chicken hot. Drizzle with the prepared tzatziki sauce and garnish with fresh dill or parsley if desired.

                  Enjoy your meal!

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 55 mins | Servings: 4