Monterey Chicken Cheesy Casserole with Crunchy Topping
Description
This Monterey Chicken Cheesy Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a medley of vegetables with a crunchy, golden topping. Inspired by Monterey Jack cheese, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home. The casserole has layers of flavor and texture—soft, cheesy, and hearty inside, with a satisfyingly crisp topping.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Crunchy Topping:
1 cup crushed crackers (like Ritz or saltines)
1/4 cup melted olive oil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
Shredded chicken
Peas, carrots, and corn
Onion and garlic
Cream of chicken soup
Sour cream
Milk
1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese
Paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper
Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
4. Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine:
Crushed crackers
Melted olive oil
Garlic powder
Parmesan cheese (if using)
Sprinkle evenly over the chicken mixture.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for an extra crunchy topping (watch closely to avoid burning).
6. Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Time Estimates
Prep time: 20–25 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 45–55 minutes
Servings
Serves 6–8 people
Tips & Q&A
Q: Can I use raw chicken?
A: Yes. If using raw chicken breasts, cook them first (boil, bake, or pan-sear) until fully cooked, then shred. The casserole won’t cook the chicken fully from raw.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if cold from the fridge.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Yes! Cheddar, Colby, or a blend works well. Monterey Jack gives a mild, creamy flavor.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, freeze before baking. Cover tightly with foil and bake from frozen at 375°F for 50–60 minutes, until heated through.
Q: How do I make it extra crunchy?
A: Add more butter to the cracker topping or broil for 1–3 minutes at the end.
This dish is cheesy, creamy, hearty, and the topping adds a satisfying crunch—perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.