Zesty Monterey Chicken Spinach Bake Recipe: A Cheesy

Sizzling cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach create a mouthwatering Monterey chicken spinach bake that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

This delightful dish blends savory flavors with nutritious ingredients in one irresistible casserole.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein and greens, making dinner both satisfying and wholesome.

The creamy texture and golden-brown top hint at the deliciousness waiting beneath.

Layers of melted Monterey jack mingle with succulent chicken and fresh spinach, creating a meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this comforting recipe and experience a dinner that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 577 kcal

Servings: 7

Monterey Chicken Spinach Bake Ingredients

• Cooked Chicken: Tender protein that adds heartiness and substantial texture to the casserole.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a rich, creamy base that binds ingredients and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Sour Cream: Introduces a smooth, tangy element that balances the richness of the dish.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully, providing a mild, buttery flavor and creamy consistency.

• Spaghetti: Serves as the foundational carbohydrate, offering a delightful textural base for the casserole.

• Minced Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic depth that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Drained Spinach: Introduces a subtle green color, nutrients, and a soft textural contrast.

• French Fried Onions: Delivers a delightful crunch and golden-brown finish, creating a textural contrast to the creamy base.

Kitchen Tools for Monterey Chicken Spinach Bake

• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining all ingredients smoothly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta and spinach efficiently.
• Cheese Grater: Optional tool for fresh Monterey Jack cheese.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy dish release.
• Measuring Cups: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dish.

Cooking Instructions for Monterey Chicken Spinach Bake

• Oven Warmup

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray.

• Pasta Preparation

Cook spaghetti until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain and set aside for the next stage.

• Flavor Fusion

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, creamy soup, tangy sour cream, vibrant spinach, gooey Monterey Jack cheese, zesty garlic, and a sprinkle of crispy French fried onions.

• Mixing Magic

Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the rich chicken mixture until everything is beautifully blended.

• Topping Touchdown

Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Shower the top with remaining cheese and a generous layer of crispy onions.

• Baking Brilliance

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake uncovered. Wait 40-50 minutes until the casserole is bubbling with excitement and the onions turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Flavor Boosts for Chicken and Spinach Bake

• Flavor Boost: Add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to give the dish an extra kick of warmth and depth.
• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even canned tuna for a quick protein alternative.
• Veggie Mix-In: Experiment by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas to increase the nutritional value and create more texture.
• Cheese Variations: Try different cheese options like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses to change up the flavor profile and make the dish uniquely yours.

Serving Tips for Monterey Chicken Spinach Bake

• Family Feast Pairing: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad topped with cucumber slices and light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy chicken bake.
• Weekend Comfort Plate: Add warm garlic breadsticks or crusty french bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and provide extra texture to the meal.
• Fresh Veggie Companion: Roast some seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus as a colorful and nutritious side dish that complements the cheesy chicken casserole.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the entire dish in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time for a convenient weeknight dinner solution.

Storing Monterey Chicken Spinach Bake Smartly

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The dish keeps its delicious flavors and maintains a creamy texture when properly sealed.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can stay fresh for 2-3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy families.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Portion Perfect: Divide the casserole into individual meal-prep containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. This strategy saves time and keeps your meals organized throughout the week.

Ultimate Monterey Chicken Spinach Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Monterey chicken spinach bake combines creamy cheeses, tender chicken, and fresh spinach in one comforting casserole. Rich flavors meld together, creating a satisfying meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 1 10 oz (283 g) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 12 oz (340 g) dried spaghetti
• 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (divided)
• 1 6 oz (170 g) can French’s French Fried Onions (divided)
• 1 16 oz (454 g) container sour cream
• 2 10.5 oz (298 g) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (176C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Pasta Preparation: Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain thoroughly, and set aside.
3. Mixture Creation: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, drained spinach, and minced garlic, mixing until ingredients are uniformly incorporated.
4. Cheese Integration: Gently fold in half of the Monterey Jack cheese, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
5. Pasta Incorporation: Add cooked spaghetti to the chicken mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is completely coated with the rich sauce.
6. Baking Assembly: Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and creating a uniform surface.
7. Topping Application: Sprinkle remaining Monterey Jack cheese across the casserole, then evenly distribute French Fried Onions for a crispy, golden crown.
8. Baking Process: Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, watching until the casserole becomes piping hot and the onion topping achieves a deep, appetizing golden-brown color.

Notes

• Cheese Melting Tip: Use freshly shredded Monterey Jack for smoother, more even melting and superior flavor compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
• Moisture Management: Thoroughly drain spinach to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole watery and compromising the creamy texture.
• Chicken Selection: Rotisserie chicken works best for quick preparation and adds extra flavor complexity to the dish.
• Crispy Topping Trick: Add French Fried Onions during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 577
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1117 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg