Monterey Chicken Rice-a-Roni Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and downright delicious meal that comes together with ease, Monterey Chicken Rice-a-Roni Casserole is your new best friend. This dish perfectly blends tender chicken, creamy spinach, and that familiar savory goodness of chicken-flavored Rice-A-Roni, all baked into a bubbly, golden casserole topped with crispy French fried onions. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck favorite, this casserole offers a warm, hearty hug in every bite that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your casserole. Each component adds its own special touch—whether it’s creaminess, freshness, or crunch—that makes this dish irresistible.
- 1 box chicken flavor Rice-A-Roni: The heart of the dish providing a flavorful, tender rice and pasta base that absorbs all the rich flavors.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds comforting creaminess and helps bind the casserole together.
- ½ cup sour cream: For an extra layer of tangy smoothness that brightens up the casserole.
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained: Brings a vibrant touch of green and nutritional goodness without added fuss.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with robust, aromatic depth.
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken: Provides protein-packed heartiness and delightful texture throughout.
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for creamy, gooey indulgence.
- 1 (6-oz) can French fried onions, divided: Supplies a bit of crispiness on top and added flavor inside, giving the casserole an unbeatable crunch.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Rice-a-Roni Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350º F and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and is ready to go as soon as your filling is mixed.
Step 2: Cook the Rice-A-Roni
Make the chicken flavor Rice-A-Roni according to the package directions. This creates a perfectly seasoned base with tender rice and pasta that will soak up all the creamy, cheesy goodness to come.
Step 3: Mix the Casserole Ingredients
Once the rice cooks, combine it in a large bowl with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, thawed spinach, minced garlic, cooked chicken, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and half of the French fried onions. Stir everything together until evenly incorporated—this mix will be rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread the rice and chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining French fried onions over the top to add a final crispy touch. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top—this step brings all the ingredients to meld beautifully.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Rice-a-Roni Casserole
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the rich flavors, or add a few red pepper flakes if you like a hint of spice. These little touches make the dish feel special and inviting on the plate.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands on its own wonderfully, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots add a lovely sweet crunch and make the meal more nutritious.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Monterey Chicken Rice-a-Roni Casserole straight from the baking dish family-style, or for a more elegant touch, scoop it into individual ramekins and broil the crispy onion topping briefly for extra crunch. Another idea is to turn this casserole into stuffed bell peppers by filling hollowed peppers with the mixture and baking until tender—a fun twist to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Monterey Chicken Rice-a-Roni Casserole, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making the leftovers just as appealing as the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. If freezing uncooked, assemble in a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap; freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding extra baking time if needed. Cooked leftovers also freeze well—just make sure to cool completely before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350º F until warmed through, about 20 minutes, which keeps the topping crisp. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through for even heating, but expect the topping to soften when microwaved.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, sauté it briefly to wilt and drain any excess moisture before adding to the casserole. This helps prevent a watery dish.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the cooked chicken with beans or an extra cup of sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. You can also use vegetable-flavored Rice-A-Roni.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Monterey Jack melts fantastically, but feel free to substitute with mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend for varied flavor profiles.
What can I substitute for French fried onions?
If you don’t have French fried onions on hand, crushed crispy fried shallots or even crushed potato chips can provide a similar crunchy topping.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! It reheats beautifully and can be portioned out for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week, making it a fantastic option for busy schedules.
Final Thoughts
Monterey Chicken Rice-a-Roni Casserole is the kind of dish that quickly becomes a household favorite. Its creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness wrapped up in an easy-to-make casserole is a comforting way to bring everyone to the table. Once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe time and again—enjoy every warm, satisfying bite!
Print
Monterey Chicken Rice-a-Roni Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Monterey Chicken Rice-a-Roni Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish featuring tender chicken, creamy spinach, and melted Monterey Jack cheese combined with flavorful chicken-flavored Rice-A-Roni. Topped with crispy French fried onions, it’s an easy-to-make casserole perfect for weeknight dinners that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box chicken flavor Rice-A-Roni
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 (6-oz) can French fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Rice-A-Roni: Cook the chicken-flavored Rice-A-Roni according to the package instructions until tender and well-flavored.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked Rice-A-Roni with the unsalted cream of chicken soup, sour cream, thawed and drained spinach, minced garlic, cooked chopped chicken, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and half of the French fried onions. Stir everything thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Assemble casserole: Spread the rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions evenly over the top for a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
Notes
- Make sure to thoroughly drain the thawed spinach to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of black pepper or paprika to the mixture.
- If desired, swap out half the Monterey Jack cheese for sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor.
- The French fried onions add a delicious crunch; ensure they stay crisp by adding them just before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Monterey Chicken Casserole, Rice-A-Roni casserole, chicken dinner, easy casserole, cheesy chicken bake, comfort food, spinach casserole
