Description
A budget-friendly, quick, and flavorful meal featuring juicy chicken thighs served over fluffy rice with a homemade creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
- Fresh garlic, minced
- Fresh lemon juice
- Fresh dill, chopped (or dried)
- English cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- White rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Paprika (smoked or regular)
Instructions
- Rinse rice under cold water until clear. Cook according to package directions (approx. 15-20 mins). Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Stir the squeezed cucumber into the yogurt mixture to make the tzatziki sauce. Set aside.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add chicken thighs in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
- Fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Divide among serving bowls.
- Slice the chicken thighs or leave whole. Place on top of the rice.
- Spoon generous amounts of tzatziki sauce over the chicken and rice. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired.
Notes
Squeeze the cucumber thoroughly to prevent a watery sauce. Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain juices. The sauce can be served slightly cool rather than ice cold to blend better with hot rice. For dairy-free, use coconut yogurt. For vegetarian, swap chicken for chickpeas or halloumi.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl per serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken tzatziki, rice bowl, budget meals, meal prep, easy dinner, chicken thighs, greek yogurt, healthy eating