If you are craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Yum Yum Monterey Chicken Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This casserole masterfully combines tender chicken, rich Monterey Jack cheese, creamy soup, and vibrant spinach, all topped with a crispy cornbread stuffing that brings the perfect crunchy contrast. It’s a dish that’s familiar yet exciting, packed with flavors and textures that make every bite a delightful experience. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for an effortlessly impressive, hearty meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, yet each one plays an essential role to build layers of flavor and texture that make this dish truly special. The blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory elements comes together seamlessly, while the green spinach adds a fresh pop of color and nutrition.
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken: The protein base that keeps the casserole hearty and satisfying.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy richness.
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach (thawed and drained): Adds a gentle earthiness and vibrant green color.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings tanginess and creaminess to the sauce mixture.
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: The comforting, savory backbone of the sauce.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- ¾ tsp garlic powder: Infuses the casserole with warm, aromatic notes.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- 1 (6-oz) box cornbread stuffing (uncooked, Stove Top or Pepperidge Farm): Offers a crunchy, buttery topping that contrasts perfectly.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Moistens the stuffing and adds savory moisture.
- 4 Tbsp melted butter: Adds richness and helps crisp the topping beautifully.
How to Make Yum Yum Monterey Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF to ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, which helps prevent sticking while making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken, Cheese, and Spinach
Spread the chopped cooked chicken evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This even layer makes sure every serving has plenty of tender chicken. Next, sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken, then top with the thawed and drained spinach for that fresh color and a little green goodness.
Step 3: Mix and Spread the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, and sour cream. This mixture is so creamy and flavorful, it brings everything together perfectly. Spread this sauce evenly over the chicken, cheese, and spinach layers.
Step 4: Add the Cornbread Stuffing and Broth Mixture
Sprinkle the uncooked cornbread stuffing evenly over the creamy sauce layer. Then, mix together the chicken broth and melted butter and pour it evenly over the stuffing. This step is the secret to a moist, crispy topping that perfectly contrasts the creamy interior.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 minutes. By the end, you’ll have a bubbling, golden-brown topping with rich layers underneath ready to serve.
How to Serve Yum Yum Monterey Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Yum Yum Monterey Chicken Casserole Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top. These garnishes add a bright, fresh flavor and a lovely visual pop that makes the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balances the richness nicely. A fresh cucumber salad or steamed broccoli adds a refreshing element to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or skillet portions for impressive single servings. You can also layer it in a slow cooker and keep it warm during parties, letting guests help themselves to a comforting, homemade meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Yum Yum Monterey Chicken Casserole Recipe keeps very well in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for easy meals later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this casserole in advance, you can freeze it before baking. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF until heated through to keep that delightful crispy topping. If you are in a hurry, microwaving works too, but you might lose some of the crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, sauté it lightly until wilted, then drain any excess moisture before adding it to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
What can I substitute for cornbread stuffing?
If you don’t have cornbread stuffing on hand, plain bread stuffing or even crushed buttery crackers can work as a topping, though the cornbread adds a uniquely delicious flavor and crunch.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s ideal for meal prepping since it reheats beautifully and stores well, making it a fantastic option for easy lunches or dinners.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
With a few substitutions like dairy-free sour cream, cream of chicken soup alternative, and vegan cheese, you could adapt the recipe for dairy-free diets, though the flavor profile will change a bit.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and crispy and the sauce is bubbling around the edges, usually about 30 minutes at 350ºF.
Final Thoughts
The Yum Yum Monterey Chicken Casserole Recipe is a true winner for cozy nights in or gatherings with family and friends. Its blend of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures will surely win you over and become a staple in your cooking rotation. Trust me, once you try it, this casserole will be one of those favorite dishes you find yourself craving again and again. So, go ahead and dive into this comforting creation — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Yum Yum Monterey Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Yum Yum Monterey Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish featuring tender cooked chicken, creamy Monterey Jack cheese, and spinach, all layered with a savory sour cream and cream of chicken soup mixture. Topped with a buttery cornbread stuffing, it’s an easy-to-make casserole perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Chicken and Cheese
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Vegetables
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
Sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 (6-oz) box uncooked cornbread stuffing (Stove Top or Pepperidge Farm)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 Tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Chicken, Cheese, and Spinach: Spread the chopped cooked chicken evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken, then distribute the thawed and drained spinach on top.
- Mix and Spread Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the layered chicken, cheese, and spinach in the dish.
- Add Stuffing and Broth Mixture: Sprinkle the uncooked cornbread stuffing evenly over the soup mixture layer. In a separate small bowl, mix the chicken broth and melted butter together, then pour this evenly over the stuffing topping to moisten it.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the stuffing topping is golden and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
- Make sure to thoroughly thaw and drain the spinach to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- You can substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Using unsalted cream of chicken soup allows control over salt levels.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup mixture.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
