Name: Cheesy Tomatoes & Rice with Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 chicken thighs, boneless, skinless; ¼ cup lime juice (about 3 limes); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper; 6 tomato slices; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 ½ cup chicken broth; ½ yellow onion, diced; 7 ounces diced green chiles not drained; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 cup half and half cream; 2 ounces cream cheese; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 ½ cups Minute Rice; 2 cups grated Colby Jack cheese; 10 ounces canned diced tomatoes with chiles not drained; chopped cilantro (or parsley, if preferred)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for a hearty meal that brings together melty cheese, tender chicken, and a pop of citrus in every single bite, Cheesy Tomatoes & Rice with Chicken is the answer to your dinner dreams! This dish is pure comfort food but with sunny, zesty undertones thanks to a lively lime marinade and plenty of bright tomatoes. Each bite is a little celebration of creamy, savory, and tangy flavors, making this meal just as inviting for a weeknight dinner as it is for casual entertaining. Let your kitchen fill with the tempting aroma of bubbling cheese and golden roasted chicken while your family eagerly gathers around the table—Cheesy Tomatoes & Rice with Chicken is a classic in the making!

Cheesy Tomatoes & Rice with Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With Cheesy Tomatoes & Rice with Chicken, you’ll recognize every ingredient from your regular grocery run, yet together they create unforgettable magic. Each component has a purpose: to add color, balance, creaminess, or flavor depth to the dish—so let’s celebrate these kitchen heroes!

Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs deliver incredible juiciness and soak up the marinade beautifully for a flavor-packed bite.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime adds a tangy kick, brightening up the entire dish and tenderizing the chicken.
Olive Oil: For both marinating and cooking—olive oil brings a rich base flavor and helps everything brown perfectly.
Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Cumin: These spices team up to give a gentle warmth and earthy depth to the marinade.
Salt & Coarse Ground Black Pepper: Simple seasonings amplify all other flavors and make everything pop.
Tomato Slices: Thick, juicy slices marinated in olive oil and seasonings become sweet, savory toppers after baking.
Yellow Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and texture to the rice base.
Diced Green Chiles: Undrained for extra flavor, these add a mild, savory heat without overwhelming the dish.
Minced Garlic: Infuses each spoonful with a subtle, irresistible aroma.
Chicken Broth: This liquid gold keeps the rice ultra-creamy and adds savory essence throughout.
Half and Half Cream: Makes the rice unbelievably rich and silky—absolutely essential for the cheesy texture.
Cream Cheese: Just a touch, melted in, brings a luscious and fizzy creaminess to the sauce.
Minute Rice: The quick-cooking rice soaks up all the cheesy, flavorful liquid without getting mushy.
Colby Jack Cheese: Robust, melty, and perfectly stretchy—one cup stirred in, one cup for topping!
Canned Diced Tomatoes with Chiles: You’ll use these undrained for an extra layer of juiciness and mild heat.
Cilantro or Parsley (for garnish): Adds a burst of color and fresh herbal finish right before serving.

How to Make Cheesy Tomatoes & Rice with Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Thighs

Start by infusing your chicken thighs with a vibrant mixture of lime juice, olive oil, and spices. Add everything into a large zip top bag with the chicken, then massage the bag gently to coat every nook and cranny. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes (or overnight for a flavor home run) while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Marinate the Tomato Slices

While the chicken works its magic, toss your thick tomato slices in a bit of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Pop them in another zip top bag, massage gently, and set aside. This step transforms the tomatoes into sweet, savory jewels when baked!

Step 3: Prep and Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs—don’t forget to pour in the leftover marinade! Sear each side until just golden, then set the chicken aside. Don’t worry if they aren’t cooked through; they’ll finish in the oven.

Step 4: Sauté Onions and Chiles

Give your skillet a quick wipe to avoid any burnt bits, then add a splash of chicken broth. Toss in the diced yellow onion, undrained green chiles, and minced garlic. Sauté until everything smells heavenly and the onions are soft, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Build the Cheesy Rice Sauce

Pour in more chicken broth and the half and half, then whisk in lime juice. Don’t fret if the sauce looks a bit separated after the lime—it smooths out as it cooks! Add cream cheese in small chunks, whisking until it melts into luxurious, creamy goodness.

Step 6: Stir in the Rice and Tomatoes

Add your Minute Rice, pop on the lid, and let everything gently simmer for 5-8 minutes. Keep an eye on it, giving a stir now and then. Once the rice is creamy and tender, fold in the canned tomatoes with chiles and a generous handful of Colby Jack cheese.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake the Dish

Nestle the golden chicken thighs and marinated tomato slices right into the cheesy rice pan. Pour over that last bit of chicken broth (along with any flavorful drippings). Cover and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes, then uncover and let it bubble away for another 10-15 minutes until the tomatoes just start to cook and the edges get irresistibly bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, shower the dish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. The herbs add a vibrant, fresh finish that ties all those cozy flavors together. Serve piping hot and watch everyone scramble for seconds!

How to Serve Cheesy Tomatoes & Rice with Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your Cheesy Tomatoes & Rice with Chicken with a bright, herbal touch—fresh chopped cilantro is my go-to, but parsley works beautifully too if cilantro isn’t your favorite. If you’re feeling extra, a wedge of lime on the side lets everyone add a spritz of zesty brightness right at the table.

Side Dishes

Balance out the creamy, savory vibes of Cheesy Tomatoes & Rice with Chicken with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a side of roasted or sautéed vegetables. Warm flour tortillas are also lovely on the side to soak up every bit of cheesy, saucy goodness!

Creative Ways to Present

For a weeknight dinner, serve straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style meal. If you’re entertaining, spoon individual servings into wide bowls and top each with a tomato slice and scattering of shredded cheese. Or, try stuffing leftovers into warm burritos or topping with a fried egg for a next-morning brunch twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Cheesy Tomatoes & Rice with Chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. The flavors develop even more overnight, making this dish just as amazing (if not better) the next day! Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Store for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat Cheesy Tomatoes & Rice with Chicken, place portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat in one-minute intervals, stirring gently to evenly distribute the heat. Or, warm in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen up the sauce and keep things creamy.

FAQs

What’s the best way to marinate the chicken for this recipe?

Marinating the chicken in a zip top bag ensures every inch gets coated with the zesty lime and spice blend. Even 15 minutes works wonders, but if you have time, a few hours (or overnight) in the fridge will boost flavor and tenderness even more!

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just know that thighs tend to stay juicier during baking, while breasts may be a tad leaner. Keep an eye on the cook time to avoid dryness. Either cut works perfectly for Cheesy Tomatoes & Rice with Chicken.

Is it necessary to use Minute Rice, or can I substitute with another variety?

Minute Rice is fast and soaks up the creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly without overcooking. If you’re using regular white rice, cook it separately first, then fold it in with the sauce and other mix-ins before baking.

How do I keep the cheesy rice from sticking?

Make sure to occasionally stir the rice while simmering and keep the heat on the lower side. This prevents the sauce from catching and helps keep everything luscious and creamy, especially with all that dairy goodness blended in.

Can Cheesy Tomatoes & Rice with Chicken be made ahead?

Yes! Prepare up to the baking step, then let it cool and refrigerate, covered. When you’re ready, bake as directed (you may need to add a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge). It’s the perfect prep-ahead comfort meal!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing a pan of Cheesy Tomatoes & Rice with Chicken around the dinner table. With its creamy rice, zesty tomatoes, and juicy chicken all tucked under a blanket of melted cheese, you’re only one recipe away from your new go-to comfort meal. Give it a try, and I hope it becomes a treasured favorite in your home too!