If you’re looking for a comfort meal that wraps up creamy, cheesy, and just downright satisfying in one easy-to-make dish, the Monterey Chicken Bubble Up Recipe is going to be your new best friend. This casserole brings together tender chicken, luscious spinach, and that irresistible Monterey Jack cheese, all baked with pillowy biscuit pieces that puff up delightfully in the oven. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate and comes together quickly enough to make weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes the Monterey Chicken Bubble Up Recipe so fantastic is its thoughtful combination of simple, wholesome ingredients that each add a crucial layer of flavor, texture, and appeal. These straightforward pantry and fridge staples come together to create a dish that’s rich, creamy, and loaded with savory goodness.
- Cooked chopped chicken (2 cups): Adds a hearty protein base that keeps the casserole satisfying and flavorful.
- Frozen spinach, thawed and drained (1/2 10-oz package): Brings a subtle earthiness and vibrant color while adding a nutritional boost.
- Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup (1 10.5-oz can): Acts as the creamy binder that melds all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Offers tanginess and silkiness, balancing the richness of the cheese and soup.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Infuses a gentle savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (½ tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, mild onion note.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1½ cups, divided): Melts to gooey perfection, delivering a creamy, slightly tangy cheese pull that is pure comfort.
- Refrigerated Grands Jr biscuits (2 cans, 6 oz each): These become soft, fluffy layers that soak up the chicken mixture and bubble up just right in the oven.
- French fried onions (1 2.8-oz can, divided): Add a crispy, golden crunch on top that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy interior.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Bubble Up Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF – this moderate temperature is perfect for bubbling the casserole without burning the tops. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This is a simple but crucial step because you want the casserole to release easily and maintain its beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Combine the Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the cooked chopped chicken, thawed and drained spinach, Cream of Chicken soup, sour cream, half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and half of the French fried onions. Don’t forget to stir in the garlic powder and onion powder here to evenly distribute those lovely aromatic flavors. This mixture forms the creamy, savory heart of the Monterey Chicken Bubble Up Recipe and sets the stage for everything else.
Step 3: Prepare the Biscuits
Take each biscuit and cut it into four pieces – this is the magic behind the ‘bubble up’ effect. Toss these biscuit pieces gently with the chicken mixture until they’re thoroughly coated. This ensures every bite has soft, pillowy biscuit chunks mingling with all that creamy, cheesy filling.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top, followed by the remaining French fried onions for a crunchy, golden topping. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the dish is bubbly and those biscuit pieces turn a gorgeous golden brown. The bubbly cheese and crispy onions seal the deal on this indulgent yet comforting casserole.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Bubble Up Recipe
Garnishes
To really brighten this rich dish, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving. Their fresh, herbal notes add a pop of color and a slight freshness that balances the creamy depth. A light drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon can also add a lively kick for those who like a bit of spice or acidity.
Side Dishes
While the Monterey Chicken Bubble Up Recipe is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with crisp, fresh sides enhances your dining experience. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, while roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots add texture and earthiness. For an extra touch, some garlic bread or crusty rolls can complement the bubbling biscuit base perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress family or guests, serve this casserole in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for a charming, personalized touch. You can even layer the mixture in a trifle dish for an eye-catching presentation. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese on top and broiling for a couple of minutes before serving can create a divine golden crust that makes every bite irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Monterey Chicken Bubble Up Recipe keeps incredibly well in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making it perfect for easy, ready-to-eat meals later in the week.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish before baking for a convenient meal prep option. Assemble it as directed, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s warmed through and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, pop leftovers into a 350ºF oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. If you’re in a rush, microwaving is fine but will yield softer biscuit texture rather than crispy topping. For best results, reheat uncovered to maintain some of that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, wilt it in a pan and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the mixture to avoid a watery casserole. Fresh spinach will brighten up the dish nicely.
What type of chicken works best?
Leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, but you can also poach or grill chicken breasts and chop them up. The key is cooked, tender chicken that absorbs the flavors well.
Can I substitute the biscuits with something else?
You can try using refrigerated crescent roll dough or even torn pieces of bread as a biscuit substitute, but keep in mind the texture and flavor profile will change slightly. Biscuits provide that signature fluffy bubble effect that’s hard to beat.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing after baking?
While you can freeze the baked casserole, the texture of the biscuits and crispy onions will be best when frozen before baking. Post-bake freezing may make the topping less crisp upon thawing and reheating.
How spicy is this dish?
This Monterey Chicken Bubble Up Recipe is mild and creamy, perfect for all ages. You can always add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to spice it up to your preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about the Monterey Chicken Bubble Up Recipe that keeps you coming back for more. It’s an ideal dish for busy families, potlucks, or anytime you want a simple yet flavorful casserole that delivers on all fronts. Give this a try, and I promise it will quickly become a favorite to make and share with people you love.
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Monterey Chicken Bubble Up Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Monterey Chicken Bubble Up is a comforting casserole dish featuring tender cooked chicken, creamy spinach, and a cheesy biscuit topping. This easy-to-make recipe combines classic kitchen staples like cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese, all baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect as a hearty family dinner, it comes together quickly and is loaded with flavor and texture, thanks to crunchy French fried onions on top.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1/2 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 1 (2.8-oz) can French fried onions, divided
Biscuit Topping
- 2 (6-oz) cans refrigerated Grands Jr biscuits
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, thawed and drained spinach, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Add the garlic powder and onion powder, then stir in half of the French fried onions to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Prepare Biscuits: Cut each refrigerated biscuit into 4 pieces. Toss these biscuit pieces gently into the chicken and cheese mixture so they are well coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the biscuit and chicken mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Smooth the top gently to create an even layer, then sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack cheese and the remaining French fried onions evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the casserole is bubbly, the biscuits have risen and turned a golden brown color, and the topping is crisp.
Notes
- Be sure to drain the thawed spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Using grated Monterey Jack cheese ensures it melts nicely into the dish.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough saves time but can be substituted with homemade biscuit pieces if preferred.
- If you want extra crunch, add more French fried onions on top just before baking.
- This dish can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add additional baking time if baking from cold.
