Monterey Jack Chicken Casserole Recipe

Craving a comforting and hearty meal? This Monterey Jack Chicken Casserole is the perfect dish to satisfy your taste buds with its creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken. Packed with flavor and simple to prepare, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite.

What is Monterey Jack?

Monterey Jack, often referred to simply as “Jack,” is a mild, semi-hard cheese originally made from milk.

Originating in the Monterey region of California, it has a smooth texture and a slightly tangy flavor.

Monterey Jack is versatile, melting well and often used in dishes like casseroles, quesadillas, and sandwiches.

What makes Monterey Jack Chicken Casserole special?

Monterey Jack Chicken Casserole is special for several reasons:

1. Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: The use of Monterey Jack cheese gives the casserole a rich, creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavor that melts beautifully, making every bite indulgent.
2. Tender Chicken: The dish features tender, juicy chicken pieces that are cooked to perfection, providing a satisfying and hearty protein component that complements the cheese and other ingredients.
3. Versatile and Comforting: This casserole is versatile enough to be customized with additional ingredients like vegetables, spices, or herbs, and it offers the ultimate comfort food experience, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Is cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup better for casseroles?

The choice between cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup for casseroles depends on the desired flavor profile and ingredients of the dish.

Cream of Chicken Soup Offers a richer, poultry-based flavor that pairs well with chicken and other savory ingredients. It’s an excellent choice for casseroles that feature chicken as the main ingredient or when you want a more pronounced chicken taste.

Cream of Mushroom Soup Provides an earthy, umami flavor from mushrooms, adding depth and complexity to the dish. It’s versatile and works well with a variety of meats and vegetables, especially in recipes where a subtle mushroom taste enhances the overall flavor.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific flavors you want to highlight in your casserole.

What ingredients do I need for Monterey Jack Chicken Casserole?

For making this easy chicken casserole, make sure that you have the following simple ingredients at hand:

• 8 oz spaghetti, cooked
• 6 oz chopped chicken (vegan)
• 1.5 cup dairy-free cream of mushroom soup
• 7 oz non-dairy sour cream
• 1/2 cup French fried onions, divided
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 8 oz frozen spinach, thawed
• 1 cup vegan Monterey Jack, shredded, divided
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt, black pepper to taste

As equipment, you need a baking dish, a medium bowl, and a saucepan.

How to make Monterey Jack Chicken Casserole?

Start with cooking the spaghetti al dente according to the package direction. Preheat the oven to 380F.

Heat olive oil in a saucepan. When hot, add chopped chicken and frozen spinach. Season with salt and pepper and cook everything on medium heat until the spinach is soft and the chicken slightly brown.

In the bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic and onion powder, 1/3 cup of the French fried onions with 3/4 cups of the Monterey Jack.

Mix all with the chicken and spinach, as well as the cooked spaghetti.

Transfer to a baking dish and cover with the remaining French fried onions and cheese.

Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the top of your Monterey Jack Chicken Casserole is golden brown.

What to do with leftovers?

Leftovers from Monterey Jack Chicken Casserole can be easily repurposed to create delicious new meals. Here are a few ideas:

1. Simply reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal. Add a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables to complete the dish.
2. Stuffed Peppers: Use the leftover casserole to fill bell peppers. Top with a bit of extra cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
3. Chicken Casserole Quesadillas: Use the leftovers as a filling for quesadillas. Spread the casserole mixture between two tortillas, add some extra cheese if desired, and cook in a skillet until the tortillas are crispy and the filling is hot. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Other easy Casserole Recipes to try

• Enchilada Casserole
• Best Keto Big Mac Casserole Recipe [low carb, easy]
• Best Leftover Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
• Stuffed Pepper Casserole
• Chicken Noodle Casserole

If you love this easy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, share your comments with a star rating in the comments below. A share on Instagram and Facebook is always welcome.

Enjoy, Florian!