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
Scale
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
