Cheesy Tomato Chicken Rice Bake

Cheesy Tomato Chicken Rice Bake in a white ceramic baking dish topped with melted cheddar and parsley. — Cheesy Tomato Chicken Rice Bake – one-pan comfort food made with juicy chicken, rice, and gooey cheddar.

Cheesy Tomato Chicken Rice Bake is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. This easy, one-pan dinner layers juicy chicken, hearty rice, fire-roasted tomatoes, and golden cheddar into a bubbling, delicious casserole the whole family will love. Plus, it’s a breeze to prep and even better the next day.

With just a handful of pantry staples, it transforms into a satisfying, home-cooked meal without fuss. The combo of tomatoes, sharp cheddar, and garlic-spiced cream gives each bite a rich and balanced flavor.

Baked rice dishes like this one are rooted in European traditions, where grains were slow-cooked with meats and sauces in clay ovens. Today, we honor that comfort with a creamy tomato twist and an irresistibly cheesy top.

So, whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or planning tomorrow’s leftovers, Cheesy Tomato Chicken Rice Bake is your new go-to. It’s cozy, filling, and completely crave-worthy—everything a baked dish should be.

Recipe Yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 cup long-grain white rice
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
¾ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.

2. Mix the Base:
In the baking dish, combine the rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.

3. Add the Chicken:
Nestle the chicken pieces evenly throughout the dish so they’re partially submerged in the liquid and rice mixture.

4. Bake Covered:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and the chicken to stay tender.

5. Add the Cheese:
Remove foil and sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top. Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Rest and Serve:
Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Use Chicken Thighs for Flavor: Boneless thighs stay juicier and more tender than chicken breast in baked casseroles.
Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Letting the dish sit after baking helps the rice fully absorb any remaining liquid and makes for a creamier texture.
Grate Your Own Cheese: For ultimate melt and flavor, shred cheddar and mozzarella fresh instead of using pre-shredded varieties.

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