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
Scale
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.
