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At the heart of this dish are the boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Known for their rich flavor and tender texture, chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for baking. Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out if overcooked, thighs remain juicy and succulent. This not only enhances the overall flavor of the dish but also ensures that every bite is moist and satisfying. The dark meat of the thighs also holds up beautifully to the baking process, absorbing the flavors of the other ingredients while maintaining its integrity.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice

Discover the delightful flavors of this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice! This effortless recipe features tender chicken thighs, fluffy rice, and a refreshing tzatziki sauce made with Greek yogurt, cucumbers, and fresh dill. Simply layer your ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let it cook to perfection. Ready in just one hour, it's a nutritious meal that's as tasty as it is easy. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth (or water)

1 cup diced cucumbers

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried dill)

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp paprika (optional for extra flavor)

Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

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

    Prepare the Baking Dish: In a 9x13 inch (or similar size) baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom.

      Add Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and drizzle with olive oil.

        Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth (or water) over the rice and chicken. Stir gently to combine the rice and broth without disturbing the chicken too much.

          Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.

            Make Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken and rice are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, diced cucumbers, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill.

              Uncover and Cook Further: After 35 minutes, remove the foil. Continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the rice is tender.

                Serve: Once done, fluff the rice with a fork, then serve the chicken and rice on plates with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce on top. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley for a burst of color.

                  Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy this easy, flavorful, and nutritious meal!

                    Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4