Tomato Cheddar Chicken and Rice Bake
Let’s talk about cozy comfort food for a second. You know those dishes that make your whole kitchen smell like happiness? The kind where you’re practically hovering over the oven door, impatiently waiting for it to bubble, sizzle, and crisp? That’s exactly what this Tomato Cheddar Chicken and Rice Bake delivers. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of juicy tomatoes, tender chicken, and golden rice—all baked together in one glorious dish. Think of it as a warm hug in casserole form, with just enough spice and freshness to keep you coming back for seconds (or thirds, no judgment here!).
Trust me, this one’s a game-changer. It’s the perfect mix of homestyle comfort and flavor-packed goodness. The best part? It’s all done in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Recipe Origin:
This recipe is inspired by my love for those “everything in one dish” dinners. Growing up, rice bakes were a staple at family gatherings because they could feed a crowd, taste amazing, and didn’t require a dozen pots and pans. This version takes that classic idea and upgrades it with fresh cherry tomatoes, gooey melted cheddar, and the smoky kick of bacon. It’s nostalgia meets modern comfort.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Cheese grater
- Aluminum foil
Tomato Cheddar Chicken and Rice Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Tomato Cheddar Chicken and Rice Bake is a hearty, comforting dish layered with smoky bacon, tender chicken, creamy cheese, and sweet tomatoes. It’s baked to golden perfection and finished with fresh basil for a cozy yet vibrant family meal.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 cups small cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup shredded Havarti or Gouda cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1–2 heirloom tomatoes, sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- Chili flakes, to taste
- Fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some drippings in the pan.
- Add the butter and chopped onion to the pan, cooking until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the cubed chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
- Add garlic, rice, cherry tomatoes, thyme, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in 4 cups of water or chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded Havarti (or Gouda) and cheddar cheeses.
- Arrange the sliced heirloom tomatoes on top, drizzle with olive oil, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Top with remaining cheese and crumble the cooked bacon over the top.
- Transfer to the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh basil, and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness if preferred.
- Use a mix of cheeses for a richer flavor.
- If the rice seems too dry, add a splash of broth before baking.
- This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: chicken and rice bake, tomato cheddar chicken, cheesy chicken rice casserole, family dinner, comfort food
Why You’ll Love Tomato Cheddar Chicken and Rice Bake
This recipe isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight, surprising friends with a crowd-pleasing dinner, or just treating yourself to comfort food, this dish fits the bill. Here’s why it’s so special:
Versatile: Works for weeknights, weekends, or even potlucks. It’s the kind of dish that feels at home on any table.
Budget-Friendly: Simple, everyday ingredients like chicken, rice, and tomatoes create a feast without breaking the bank.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything bakes together, so you’re not juggling multiple pots and pans.
Cheesy Comfort: Between the gooey cheddar and creamy havarti, every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Crowd-Pleasing: Bacon, chicken, cheese, rice, and tomatoes—need I say more? This combo wins everyone over.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results:
- Crisp the bacon well—it adds a smoky crunch that elevates the dish.
- Don’t skimp on fresh herbs like thyme and basil; they brighten the flavors.
- Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so the rice can soak up all the juices.
Ingredients in Tomato Cheddar Chicken and Rice Bake
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Bacon: Smoky and salty, it builds a flavorful base for the entire dish.
Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions beautifully.
Onion: Sweet and savory, onion is the aromatic backbone of this bake.
Chicken Breasts: Tender cubes of chicken provide hearty protein.
Basmati Rice: Fluffy, aromatic rice that soaks up all those flavors while baking.
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness that balance the richness.
Thyme: Fresh, herby notes that keep the flavors light and fragrant.
Cayenne Pepper: A subtle kick of heat that wakes up the dish.
Havarti or Gouda Cheese: Creamy, melty, and smooth—perfect with cheddar.
Cheddar Cheese: Bold and sharp, cheddar gives that classic baked casserole flavor.
Heirloom Tomatoes: Gorgeous slices on top add flavor and eye-catching presentation.
Olive Oil: Helps roast the tomatoes and keeps everything luscious.
Garlic: Punchy and aromatic—it makes everything better.
Chili Flakes: A little extra fire for spice lovers.
Fresh Basil: The refreshing finishing touch that ties it all together.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with olive oil or butter.
Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, but leave some drippings in the pan for extra flavor.
Sauté Aromatics: Add butter to the skillet with the bacon drippings, then sauté onions until soft and golden. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add Chicken: Stir in cubed chicken breasts and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through—it will finish baking in the oven.
Build the Base: Stir in rice, cherry tomatoes, thyme, cayenne, and season with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into your baking dish.
Layer with Cheese: Sprinkle in half the havarti/gouda and half the cheddar. Stir gently to combine.
Top with Tomatoes & Bacon: Arrange slices of heirloom tomatoes over the top, drizzle with olive oil, and scatter the crisp bacon pieces.
Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, add the remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Finishing Touches: Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle with chili flakes and fresh basil before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Dig in while it’s hot and cheesy, and don’t be surprised if the pan is licked clean.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: ~420 (estimate)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
How to Serve Tomato Cheddar Chicken and Rice Bake
This dish is hearty enough to shine as the main star, but pairing it with the right sides can really elevate the experience:
Fresh Salads: A crisp cucumber salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for scooping up cheesy, tomato-y rice.
Roasted Vegetables: Think carrots, broccoli, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
Simple Greens: A handful of sautéed spinach or kale balances the richness.
As a Standalone: Honestly, this bake holds its own—just garnish with basil and serve!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Assemble the dish ahead of time, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze baked portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Variations to Try:
- Swap chicken with ground turkey or sausage for a different protein.
- Use brown rice for extra fiber (just increase baking time slightly).
- Add bell peppers or zucchini for more veggies.
- Try smoked gouda for an even bolder cheese flavor.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: Dice onions, garlic, and chicken the night before.
- Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Dietary Adjustments: Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a lighter twist.
- Double the Batch: This recipe is freezer-friendly—make one for now, one for later.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?
A1: Yes, but increase the baking time by 10–15 minutes and add a bit more liquid.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: In the fridge, sealed tight, for up to 4 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this bake?
A4: Yes, baked or unbaked, for up to 3 months.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat?
A5: In the oven at 350°F until warmed through—this keeps the rice fluffy and cheese melty.
Q6: Can I add more veggies?
A6: Definitely—bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach all work great.
Q7: Is this recipe spicy?
A7: It has a gentle heat from cayenne and chili flakes, but you can adjust to taste.
Q8: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
A8: Yes! Just stir in shredded cooked chicken before baking.
Q9: Can I substitute the cheeses?
A9: Of course—Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or provolone all work.
Q10: Is this kid-friendly?
A10: Absolutely—just go easy on the chili flakes if serving little ones.
Conclusion
There you have it—the Tomato Cheddar Chicken and Rice Bake that’s about to steal the spotlight at your dinner table. It’s hearty, cheesy, a little smoky, and bursting with tomato goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish proves that comfort food can also be vibrant and fresh. Go ahead, whip this up, and watch it disappear in record time. Trust me, you’ll want to add this to your regular dinner rotation!
