Description
A creamy and flavorful Monterey Chicken Casserole combining tender cooked chicken, melted Monterey Jack cheese, spinach, and a savory blend of sour cream and cream of chicken soup, topped with crispy French fried onions for a delightful crunch. Perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (0.7-oz) packet Good Seasons Italian dressing mix
- 3 oz (half of 6-oz can) French fried onions
Topping
- 3 oz (remaining half of 6-oz can) French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, unsalted cream of chicken soup, thawed and drained frozen spinach, Italian dressing mix, and half of the French fried onions. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly until well mixed.
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Spread the combined chicken and spinach mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for even cooking.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining French fried onions evenly over the top of the chicken mixture. This will add a crispy texture once baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
Notes
- Make sure to fully thaw and drain the frozen spinach to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Add a pinch of black pepper or garlic powder for extra flavor if desired.
