Monterey Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole

Imagine the sizzle of melted Monterey Jack cheese as it bubbles over tender chicken and perfectly seasoned Rice-A-Roni, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. This Monterey Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole combines the comfort of classic casserole cooking with bold Southwestern flavors for a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this one-dish wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to transform simple ingredients into a showstopping meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Monterey Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet hassle-free. The combination of tender, juicy chicken breast against the backdrop of savory Rice-A-Roni creates a perfect textural contrast that’s both satisfying and comforting. Each bite delivers a medley of flavors – from the smoky bacon bits to the tangy BBQ sauce drizzle and the creamy, melted Monterey Jack cheese that stretches with every forkful.

What makes this casserole truly special is its versatility. It’s elegant enough for Sunday dinner but simple enough for Monday’s meal prep. The Rice-A-Roni base absorbs all the delicious flavors while cooking, eliminating the need for complicated seasonings. Plus, this chicken and rice bake comes together in one dish, meaning fewer dishes to clean afterward. The vibrant colors from the diced tomatoes and green onions don’t just add flavor – they create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

For this mouthwatering Monterey Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole, you’ll need:

• 2 boxes (6.9 oz each) Chicken Rice-A-Roni
• 4 tablespoons (60g) butter
• 4 cups (950ml) water
• 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup (240ml) BBQ sauce (divided)
• 2 cups (8oz/225g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup (180g) diced tomatoes, drained
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (20g) chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

The Rice-A-Roni provides the perfect seasoned base, while the combination of Monterey Jack cheese and BBQ sauce creates that signature Monterey chicken flavor profile. For best results, use a good quality BBQ sauce – its sweet and tangy notes will infuse the entire casserole with unmistakable flavor.

Pro Tips

Tip 1: Perfect Chicken Preparation
To ensure your chicken pieces cook evenly and stay juicy in your Monterey Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole, cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Before adding to the casserole, quickly sear the chicken in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side. This creates a flavor-sealing crust while keeping the inside tender. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken through completely – it will finish cooking in the casserole.

Tip 2: Rice-A-Roni Success
The key to perfect Rice-A-Roni is in the initial toasting step. When preparing the Rice-A-Roni, toast the rice-pasta mixture in butter until it’s golden brown before adding liquid. This develops a nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish. For this casserole recipe, undercook the Rice-A-Roni slightly (about 2 minutes less than package directions) as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Tip 3: Layering for Maximum Flavor
Create distinct layers when assembling your casserole for the best flavor distribution. Start with a base of partially cooked Rice-A-Roni, followed by seasoned chicken, then half the BBQ sauce, and finally the cheese and toppings. This layering technique ensures every bite has the perfect balance of flavors and prevents the Rice-A-Roni from becoming mushy during baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rice-A-Roni
In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the Rice-A-Roni rice and pasta mixture (including seasoning packets) and sauté for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden. Add 4 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 13 minutes (2 minutes less than package directions). The rice should be slightly undercooked as it will finish in the oven. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned but not fully cooked through. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the partially cooked Rice-A-Roni evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a base layer for your Monterey Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Arrange the browned chicken pieces evenly over the Rice-A-Roni layer. Drizzle 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle half of the bacon crumbles over the BBQ sauce layer. Top with 1 1/2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

Step 6: Add Final Toppings
Remove the casserole from the oven. Drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup BBQ sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese, bacon crumbles, diced tomatoes, and green onions. Return to the oven uncovered for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Let the Monterey Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot, making sure each portion includes all the delicious layers.

Variations

Spicy Southwest Version
Transform your Monterey Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole into a fiery feast by using Mexican Rice-A-Roni instead of the chicken flavor. Add a diced jalapeño and substitute pepper jack cheese for the Monterey Jack. Mix 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder into the BBQ sauce for a smoky kick, and top with crushed tortilla chips during the final minutes of baking for added crunch. Serve with a dollop of sour cream to balance the heat.

Vegetarian Adaptation
Create a meatless version by replacing chicken with 2 pounds of mixed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables until slightly tender before adding to the casserole. Use vegetable-flavored Rice-A-Roni and vegetarian bacon bits or smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. The cheese and BBQ sauce still provide that signature Monterey flavor, making this chicken rice bake delicious even without the meat.

Mediterranean Twist
Give your casserole an international flair by using Rice-A-Roni Long Grain & Wild Rice. Replace BBQ sauce with a mixture of 1/2 cup sun-dried tomato pesto and 1/4 cup olive oil. Substitute feta for half the Monterey Jack cheese, and add 1 cup of chopped artichoke hearts and 1/2 cup kalamata olives. Top with fresh basil instead of cilantro for an entirely new flavor profile.

Storage and Serving

Your Monterey Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For best results, cool completely before transferring to storage containers. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to prevent the rice from drying out, then cover and microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes. This casserole also freezes beautifully – portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For serving, pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a more substantial meal, serve with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables on the side. Transform leftovers into a completely new meal by wrapping portions in large flour tortillas for Monterey chicken burritos, or stuff the mixture into bell peppers and rebake for a creative twist on stuffed peppers. For an elevated presentation, serve in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and quickly broiled for a restaurant-quality finish.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or dice about 3-4 cups of rotisserie chicken and add it directly to the casserole. Since the chicken is already cooked, you can skip the browning step and focus on assembling your Monterey Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole.

What if I don’t have Monterey Jack cheese?
Cheddar cheese makes an excellent substitute, providing a similar melt with a slightly sharper flavor. Mozzarella is another good option for that stretchy cheese pull, though it’s milder in flavor. A Mexican cheese blend also works well with the Southwestern flavor profile.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off, then add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

Is there a way to make this recipe lower in sodium?
Use low-sodium Rice-A-Roni and reduce the added salt when seasoning the chicken. You can also make your own BBQ sauce with less salt or choose a low-sodium commercial variety. The bacon adds significant sodium, so consider using half the amount or a lower-sodium bacon alternative.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
While it’s possible, the texture won’t be the same. If using a slow cooker, prepare the Rice-A-Roni as directed, then combine with raw chicken (cut into smaller pieces), and half the BBQ sauce and cheese. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, then add remaining toppings during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

This Monterey Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of savory rice, tender chicken, smoky bacon, and melty cheese that transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly spectacular. It’s the kind of dish that brings the family running to the dinner table and satisfies those comfort food cravings while still feeling special enough for company. With its make-ahead potential and crowd-pleasing flavors, this casserole deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this one-dish wonder delivers both convenience and incredible flavor in every bite.

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