If you are craving a dish that tastes like warm, comforting hugs in a bowl, then this Monterey Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a rich blend of tender chicken, creamy soups, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese that comes together with fluffy rice and a touch of garlic to tantalize your taste buds. Every bite offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making it the perfect meal for family dinners or cozy nights in. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Monterey Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients that deliver a delicious harmony. Each component plays a crucial role — from the cooked rice providing a fluffy base to the cheese that makes everything irresistibly creamy and melty.
- 7½ cups cooked rice: Use white or brown rice, cooked and cooled, to give the casserole a tender, hearty foundation.
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for convenience and flavor.
- 1 (16-oz) container sour cream: Adds richness and a touch of tanginess to the creamy texture.
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: These bring moisture and flavor that melds all the ingredients together.
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained: A sneaky way to add some green nutrition without overpowering the flavor.
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided: Melts beautifully and gives the casserole its signature cheesy goodness.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic brightens the flavor and adds a subtle kick.
- 1 (6-oz) can French’s French Fried Onions, divided: Provides a crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
How to Make Monterey Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF so it’s ready when you finish assembling the casserole. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Setting this up ahead makes the baking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, thawed and drained spinach, 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, minced garlic, and half of the French’s French Fried Onions. Mixing these ingredients well ensures every spoonful has the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the rice and chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This ensures the casserole bakes uniformly and each serving looks as inviting as it tastes.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top, followed by the rest of the French’s French Fried Onions. This layer will bake to a golden, crispy perfection, adding that delightful texture contrast against the creamy filling beneath.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle in.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the rich, cheesy casserole. If you love a bit of zing, a light drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon over individual servings can elevate the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides simple and complementary. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even classic garlic bread pairs beautifully with this hearty casserole. These sides balance the richness and add a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the Monterey Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets, topped with a bit of extra cheese and fried onions for that restaurant-style wow factor. You can also layer it in a clear glass casserole dish to show off the creamy and cheesy layers for an inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal that tastes just as good the next day, often even better as the flavors meld together.
Freezing
You can freeze the Monterey Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe before baking. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake it from frozen, just adding extra baking time to ensure it heats through evenly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but it’s best to cover the dish to keep moisture locked in and prevent a rubbery texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and chewier texture. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before assembling the casserole for the best results.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the chicken for a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable cream soup instead of chicken soup to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Definitely! You can mix everything, assemble in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes dinner preparation a breeze on busy days.
What can I substitute for the French’s French Fried Onions?
If you don’t have French fried onions, crispy fried shallots or even toasted breadcrumbs can add a lovely crunch as a topping.
How can I add more veggies to this dish?
Feel free to add vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the spinach. Just make sure to sauté or drain any watery veggies to prevent a soggy casserole.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a homemade casserole that brings everyone together, and this Monterey Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe nails it perfectly. Simple ingredients, easy prep, and a creamy, cheesy finish make it one of those dishes you’ll want to reach for time and again. Give it a try and watch as this dish turns into a beloved favorite in your home too!
Print
Monterey Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Monterey Chicken & Rice Casserole is a comforting, cheesy baked dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, creamy spinach, and melted Monterey Jack cheese topped with crispy French fried onions. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner or potluck, this casserole combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, hearty meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 7½ cups cooked rice
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 (16-oz) container sour cream
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (6-oz) can French’s French Fried Onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped cooked chicken, both cans of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, thawed and drained spinach, 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, minced garlic, and half of the French fried onions. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the prepared mixture into the sprayed 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack cheese and the rest of the French’s French Fried Onions evenly over the top of the rice and chicken mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked chicken with leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Be sure to thoroughly drain the thawed spinach to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of black pepper or paprika to the mixture before baking.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving to allow it to set.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; just add 10 minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
