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
Scale
- 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