You know those dinners that just feel comforting before you even take the first bite? The kind that fills your kitchen with the smell of melted cheese, roasted tomatoes, and something cozy bubbling away in the oven? This cheesy baked chicken with tomatoes, rice, and bacon is exactly that kind of meal.

This is one of those recipes I come back to over and over again - especially on busy days when I want something hearty and satisfying, but don’t want to deal with a pile of dishes afterward. It’s rich without being heavy, simple without being boring, and honestly… it just hits the spot every single time.

It’s also the kind of dish that looks impressive when it comes out of the oven (golden cheese, jammy roasted tomatoes, crispy bacon on top), but secretly couldn’t be easier. Everything bakes together in one dish, which means the rice soaks up all those incredible flavors from the chicken, bacon, and cheese as it cooks.

If you love cozy dinners, minimal cleanup, and meals that feel like comfort food without requiring hours in the kitchen - you’re going to love this one.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Bake

Let me tell you why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:

One-pan magic – Everything bakes together in one dish. Fewer dishes = happier evenings.
Ultra-comforting – Cheesy, savory, and warm in all the best ways.
Perfectly balanced – Creamy cheese, juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and fresh tomatoes keep it from feeling too heavy.
Great for leftovers – Somehow tastes even better the next day.
Family-friendly – This is one of those meals everyone actually agrees on.

It’s the kind of dish you can make on a random Tuesday, but also proudly serve when friends come over.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish or casserole.

2. Build the Base

Add the uncooked rice to the baking dish and pour the chicken broth overtop. Stir gently to evenly distribute the rice. Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, giving it another quick stir.

3. Add the Chicken

Nestle the chicken pieces directly into the rice mixture. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and lightly season with a bit more salt and pepper.

4. Top with Tomatoes and Bacon

Scatter the halved tomatoes evenly over the dish, followed by the crispy bacon pieces. This is where the flavor really starts to build.

5. Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook through.

6. Add the Cheese

Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top, and return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

7. Rest and Finish

Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Finish with fresh basil leaves and a little cracked black pepper.

Let’s Talk About the Ingredients (and Why They Work)

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work here. Thighs will give you a slightly richer, juicier result, while breasts stay lean and tender thanks to the rice and cheese keeping everything moist.

Rice

Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe. As it bakes, it absorbs the broth, chicken juices, and bacon flavor - turning into the most flavorful rice you’ve ever had.

(Quick tip: This recipe is designed for uncooked rice. No need to pre-cook it!)

Bacon

Crispy bacon adds salt, smokiness, and texture. It balances the creaminess of the cheese perfectly. I like to cook it just until crispy before adding it to the dish so it stays nice and crunchy on top.

Tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes bring freshness and a little acidity that cuts through all the richness. They soften and caramelize in the oven, becoming sweet, jammy, and absolutely delicious.

Cheese

This is where the magic really happens. Mozzarella gives you that irresistible stretch, while a little parmesan adds depth and savoriness. You can adjust the cheese blend to what you have - this recipe is very forgiving.

Herbs & Seasoning

Simple seasoning goes a long way here: garlic, salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and fresh basil at the end to brighten everything up.

When I Love Making This Dish

This is my go-to when:

I want something cozy but still homemade
I don’t want to think too hard about dinner
I need something filling that will last for leftovers
I want a dish that looks way fancier than the effort required

It’s also a great recipe to drop off for a friend who needs a meal - it reheats beautifully and feels like comfort food in the best way.

Tips for Perfect Results

Cover tightly at first: This ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all that delicious broth.
Don’t overbake: Once the cheese is golden and the rice is tender, it’s ready.
Let it rest: This helps everything settle and makes serving easier.
Want extra crisp? Pop it under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end.

Easy Variations

This recipe is super flexible, which is one of my favorite things about it.

Add veggies: Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms work beautifully.
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
Swap the cheese: Try provolone, fontina, or even a bit of sharp cheddar.
Use brown rice: Increase the liquid and bake time slightly.

How to Store & Reheat

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Freezing: This dish freezes surprisingly well once fully cooled.

Final Thoughts

This cheesy baked chicken with tomatoes, rice, and bacon is the kind of meal that makes you slow down and enjoy dinner. It’s cozy, satisfying, and packed with flavor - without requiring a ton of effort.

If you’re looking for a no-fuss dinner that feels comforting, homemade, and just a little indulgent, this one is for you. I hope it becomes one of those recipes you reach for again and again - the kind you make without even needing to look at the instructions.

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Yield: 6 servings