Introducing the delectable Monterey Chicken Casserole, a delightful dish straight from the heart of Tex-Mex cuisine, brimming with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds! This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights or potluck gatherings when you need a dish that’s easy to prepare but still impresses everyone at the table. 🍽️
Monterey Chicken Casserole
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 408.9
Ingredients:
- 1 onion
- 1 can diced green chilies
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup taco sauce
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 cup water
- Optional: sliced black olives for garnish
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and develops that irresistible golden brown crust.
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Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken cubes, taco sauce, diced onion, diced green chilies, frozen corn kernels, cooked rice, water, and if desired, sliced black olives. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated in that flavorful taco sauce.
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Layer in Baking Dish: Spoon the prepared chicken mixture into an ungreased 13×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure every bite is packed with deliciousness.
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Prepare Topping: In a separate medium-sized bowl, mix together the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. This cheesy topping adds a burst of flavor and gooey goodness to the casserole.
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Add Topping: Sprinkle the cheese and green onion mixture evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish, creating a tantalizing layer of cheesy goodness that will melt into bubbly perfection as it bakes.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma wafting from your kitchen will let you know it’s almost time to indulge in this mouthwatering masterpiece!
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the Monterey Chicken Casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra chopped green onions or sliced black olives if desired, then dish out generous servings of this flavorful Tex-Mex delight to your eager guests or hungry family members.
This Monterey Chicken Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, combining tender chicken, savory taco flavors, gooey melted cheese, and zesty green onions in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or a festive potluck gathering, this easy-to-make dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of this Tex-Mex classic! 🎉
